The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers vaccines at no cost to eligible children through health care providers who participate in the program. When vaccines are given on time, our children, families, and communities are healthier. Find out if your child is eligible for the VFC program. Children who qualify for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program can receive vaccines at no cost through a national network of participating health care providers. This program helps ensure that all children are more likely to receive recommended immunizations on time. These vaccines protect infants, young children, and adolescents against 16 diseases.
Who is eligible for the VFC program?
Children 18 years of age or younger who meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Be American Indian or Alaska Native.
- Be eligible for Medicaid.
- Not having health insurance.
- Having insufficient health insurance.
What does it mean to have insufficient health insurance?
Being underinsured means your child has health insurance, but it:
- does not cover any vaccines, or
- does not cover certainly recommended immunizations.
Underinsured children are eligible to receive immunizations only at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Rural Health Centers (RHCs). These health centers provide health care in underserved areas and meet certain criteria under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. If you need help locating a Federally Qualified Health Center or Rural Health Center, contact the VFC * program coordinator for your city or state. There is no charge for the vaccines given to eligible children by VFC providers.
How much do they cost?
VFC providers do not charge for vaccines for eligible children. However, they may charge other fees in connection with the visit, for example:
- to give the vaccine,
- for the office visit
- for other services not related to vaccination, such as eye exams or blood tests.
Where can I take my child to be vaccinated?
Nationwide, there are thousands of health care providers enrolled in the VFC Program. If your child qualifies for the VFC Program, ask your child’s treating doctor if he or she is a provider for that program. Other health care providers that may participate in the VFC Program include pharmacies, urgent care centers, and school health centers. For help finding a VFC provider near you, see if your state has a website where you can search for VFC providers, or call your state or local health department.
Federal funds, state administration
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receives funding for the VFC program through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The VFC program is generally administered by state health departments, but in some localities, it may be administered by the city or territory health department.
Nationwide, there are thousands of health care providers enrolled in the VFC Program. If your child qualifies for the VFC Program, ask your child’s treating doctor if he or she is a provider for that program. Other health care providers that may participate in the VFC Program include pharmacies, urgent care centers, and school health centers. For help finding a VFC provider near you, see if your state has a website where you can search for VFC providers, or call your state or local health department.
