No Insurance? You Can Still Get Vaccinated.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us are dealing with uncertainties and inconveniences. Fortunately, routine vaccinations don't have to be one of them. With so many people out of work and without health insurance, it's important to know that you can still get your children vaccinated. Here are some tips from Vaccinate Your Family, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about vaccine-preventable diseases.
Call your state's Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. VFC offers free vaccines to families who cannot afford to pay for their child's vaccines. Many healthcare providers are enrolled in the program too. There are usually administrative fees associated with receiving a vaccine; however, if you cannot afford the fees, VFC vaccines cannot be denied to your child.
See if your child is eligible for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). All states provide CHIP benefits for kids and teens up to 19 years old, including vaccinations.
Visit your community pharmacy. Pharmacists at drugstores like Rite Aid and Walgreens are well-trained in vaccines. Your pharmacy may be more convenient if you have schedule constraints, as pharmacies often do not require an appointment. Call ahead — pharmacies have different procedures and age limits for vaccines. For example, Walgreens administers immunizations for children ages 7 and up.
Providers’ offices are also taking extra precautions during this time, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with routine vaccinations. If you have any questions, consider joining one of Boost’s Online Community Workshops.