What is the Vaccines for Children
Program?
The Vaccines for Children program, or VFC, supplies vaccines
for children in certain groups who can't afford to buy vaccines.
Children can get hundreds of dollars worth of free vaccine. Doctors
can get this vaccine, for their patients who qualify, by joining
the VFC program in their state. There is no charge to the doctor
or the parents to get these vaccines. |
Top |
Who can receive VFC
Vaccine?
The
children who can get VFC
vaccine are those children from birth through 18 years old who:
- Are eligible for Medicaid,
- Have no health insurance,
- Are Native American or Alaskan Native, or
- Have health insurance, but the insurance
plan does not fully cover the cost of vaccines (independent
of co-pays, deductibles and administration fees).
|
Top |
Why was the VFC
program created?
Many
parents can't afford to pay for vaccines on their own. When large
groups of children go without vaccines, it leaves them unprotected
and disease outbreaks can happen. This program allows everyone
to stay healthy by getting his or her vaccines on time. |
Top |
How can I get VFC
vaccine?
Ask your doctor's office if they are part of the VFC program.
VFC doctors will have the vaccine waiting for you when you come
in for your appointment. If your doctor is not part of the VFC
program, ask them to join by calling the state health department.
You can also get these VFC vaccines at your local health department
or community health center. |
Top |
Do I have to bring anything to prove my
child can get free VFC
vaccine?
No. You do not have to show any proof that your child can get
VFC vaccine, but your doctor may ask if your child is on Medicaid,
has insurance or if your child is Native American or Alaskan Native.
Many doctors will have the information that you can get VFC vaccine
in their business records. If your status changes at any time,
though, you should tell your doctor. |
Top |
The vaccines are free, but what if I can't
pay for the doctor visit?
The doctor cannot hold back VFC
vaccine if you can't pay the administration fee (what the doctor
charges to actually give the shot to your child). BUT the doctor
does not have to see your child if you cannot pay for the office
visit (the flat rate just to see the doctor). Talk to your doctor's
office if paying for the visit is a problem. You might be eligible
for Medicaid or low-rate insurance offered by the state. You can
also go to your local health department or community health center
to get VFC vaccines. |
Top |
My child is behind on their shots. Can
they still get VFC
vaccine?
YES!
Your child can get any of the vaccines they need to get back on
schedule. |
Top |
My child is healthy. I'll just wait until
school age to get them vaccinated.
Children are most at risk from getting these diseases when they
are younger. Waiting until school starts can be dangerous. A visit
to a doctor is always a good idea to catch any other problems
your child might be having. |
Top |
I have questions about the shots my child
needs and when to get them. Where can I go for more information?
Contact the National Immunization Hotline at 1-800-232-4636,
or e-mail your questions to nipinfo@cdc.gov. |
| Top |
|
