Immunizations Including Vaccines For Children Program

The Vaccines for Children program (VFC) is designed to allow children, zero through 18 years of age, to receive free vaccinations. Eligible children include those who receive Medicaid, Native Americans or Alaskan Natives, and children who have health insurance that does not cover vaccination. These underinsured children must be referred to a Federally Qualified Health Center, Community/Rural Health Center, or Public Health to receive their immunizations.

This program promotes the creation of a medical home for children by inviting private provider participation. It can also reduce referrals to public health clinics and help raise awareness of childhood immunizations.

Health care providers may receive VFC vaccine and administer this vaccine at no charge if they are willing to enroll in the program and agree to follow the ACIP Recommended Immunization Schedule. There is no fee for enrolling and the provider is allowed to charge a $10 administration fee per vaccine if the parent is able to pay; otherwise the vaccination is provided at no cost. Providers may also elect to bill clients for a separate office visit. For any child who is Medicaid eligible, the provider must bill Medicaid for the administration fee. This fee is reimbursed in ADDITION to the reimbursement for the office visit: it does not replace it.