The drug company price for either vaccine is about $130 per dose. This cost does not include the cost of giving the shots or the doctor’s charge. So, it’s possible that the cost for the series (3 shots over 6 months) could be $500 or more. Insurance plans will likely cover the cost. But check with your insurance plan to be sure.
The vaccines are included in the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. This program covers vaccine costs for children and teens who don’t have insurance and for some children and teens who are underinsured. The VFC program provides free vaccines to children and teens younger than 19 years of age, who are either Medicaid-eligible, American Indian or Alaska Native, or uninsured.
There are over 44,000 sites that provide VFC vaccines, including hospitals and private and public clinics. The VFC program also allows children and teens to get VFC vaccines through federally qualified health centers or rural health centers if their private health insurance does not cover vaccinations. For more information about the VFC program, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/default.htm. Or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
Some states and US territories have programs that will cover the vaccine costs, too. You can find the contact information for your area at the CDC Web site given above.
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