VFC Information for Parents

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program offers vaccines at no cost to eligible children through health care providers enrolled in the program. Vaccinating on time means healthier children, families, and communities. Find out if your child qualifies for the VFC program.

Children who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program can receive vaccines at no cost through a national network of participating health care providers. The VFC program helps ensure that all children have a better chance of getting their recommended vaccinations on schedule. These vaccines protect babies, young children, and adolescents from these diseases.

Who Is Eligible for the VFC Program?

Children ages 18 years or younger who meet at least one of the following requirements:

• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Medicaid-eligible
• Uninsured
• Underinsured

What Is “Underinsured”?

Underinsured means that your child has health insurance, but the insurance policy:

• Doesn’t cover any vaccines or
• Doesn’t cover certain recommended vaccines

Underinsured children are eligible to receive vaccines only at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs). FQHCs and RHCs provide health care to medically underserved areas and meet certain criteria under Medicare and Medicaid programs. If you need help locating an FQHC or RHC, contact your state or city’s VFC program coordinator.

What Is the Cost?

There is no charge for the vaccines given by VFC providers to eligible children. Health care providers may charge other fees related to the visit, such as:

• Giving a shot (vaccine administration fee)*
• Office visit
• Non-vaccine services, like an eye exam or blood test

*However, health care providers cannot refuse to vaccinate your child if you are unable to pay the vaccine administration fee.

Where Can My Child Get Vaccinated?

Nationally, there are thousands of health care providers enrolled in the VFC program. If your child is VFC-eligible, ask your child’s doctor if they are a VFC provider. Other health care providers that might participate in the VFC program include pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and school-based clinics. For help finding a VFC provider near you, see if your state has a searchable website for VFC providers or contact your state or local health department.

Federal Funding, State Management

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receives funding for the VFC program through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In general, state health departments manage the VFC program, but in some locations, it may be managed by a city or territorial health department.