COVID-19 IS STILL A THREAT. VACCINES REMAIN COVERED AND AVAILABLE AT NO COST TO YOU.
We’ve made real progress in the fight against COVID-19, but the virus and new variants remain a threat and still pose risks. Vaccines are your best way to protect against illness, especially severe illness.
Have questions about how to get your vaccines and if they are still free? The answer is simple: You’re covered—COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at no cost to you.
children
Medicaid
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Tricare
Private insurance
Children without insurance
CHILDREN ARE COVERED FREE OF COST
The Vaccines For Children (VFC) program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to all children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay.
adults
Medicaid
Medicare
Tricare
Private insurance+
Adults without insurance++
ADULTS ARE COVERED FREE OF COST
COVID-19 vaccines are currently free through the federal government. Starting in the fall, vaccines will be covered through a combination of public and private programs.
+All private insurance except certain pre-Affordable Care Act “grandfathered” plans must provide vaccines at no cost.
++The Bridge Access program, administered by the CDC, is a public-private partnership starting in fall of 2023 to provide COVID-19 vaccines free of cost to uninsured or underinsured adults.
CVEEP PRESENTS: A CONVERSATION WITH CDC DIRECTOR, DR. MANDY COHEN ON THE BRIDGE ACCESS PROGRAM
FREE COVID-19 VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO ARE UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED THROUGH THE CDC’S BRIDGE ACCESS PROGRAM
Free updated COVID-19 vaccines are available to most adults living in the U.S. through their private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. No-cost COVID-19 vaccines are also available for adults without health insurance or those whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. CDC Director, Dr. Mandy Cohen sat down with Claire Hannan, Executive Director of the Association of Immunization Managers, to discuss how the CDC’s Bridge Access Program provides free COVID-19 vaccines to those that are uninsured or underinsured. Watch CVEEP’s feature interview with Dr. Cohen.
QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINES?
Why should I still be worried about COVID-19?
COVID-19 is still a real threat. We have come a long way in our fight against COVID-19, in large part thanks to vaccines that help us prevent serious illness and death. But the virus has not gone away. Every day thousands of people are still diagnosed with COVID-19, which not only puts people at risk of severe outcomes but also interrupts important parts of our daily lives.
What can I do to help protect myself against COVID-19?
Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your community against the worst outcomes of COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get an updated vaccine. This applies if you have received any original COVID-19 vaccines and if you have not. If you have questions about the latest COVID-19 vaccines or if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine, ask your health care provider.
If I recently had a COVID-19 vaccine, should I get the updated vaccine?
If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last 2 months, the CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive the updated vaccine.
Can children get the updated vaccine?
The CDC recommends that all children 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. When children should get vaccines can vary by the age of the child, so it is important you talk to your child’s health care provider to ensure your child is up to date.
Will COVID-19 vaccines still be free to me?
Yes! Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available free of cost through private and public insurance, as well as for those without insurance. You may have heard about changes to how COVID-19 vaccines are covered. Even as these changes take place, COVID-19 vaccines are still fully covered and free of cost for almost everyone.
