Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent common diseases that can seriously harm or kill infants, children and teens.
Families who cannot afford vaccines should ask their pediatrician about the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. The federally funded program works to ensure all children ages 18 years and younger get the vaccinations they need on time without cost being a barrier.
Families do not have to show proof that their child is eligible for free vaccines. But their doctor must ask the following questions and document the answers.
- Is your child on Medicaid?
- Does your child have any health insurance coverage? Does that insurer cover vaccines?
- Is your child of American Indian or Alaska Native heritage?
Without vaccines, a child is at risk of becoming seriously ill or even dying from diseases such as measles and whooping cough. These diseases can spread easily at home, school, work or in public spaces.
Preventable diseases that VFC program vaccines protect children from include COVID-19, dengue, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, influenza (flu), measles, meningococcal disease, mumps, pertussis (whopping cough), polio, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rubella (German measles) and tetanus (lockjaw).
More than 37,000 health care providers nationwide are enrolled in the VFC program. These include pediatricians, health clinics, hospitals, schools, health departments, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.
To find a VFC Program near you, contact your local or state health department. Talk to your pediatrician to find out more about the VFC program.
