The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) wants parents to know that if they’ve lost their health insurance, they can and should still get their children immunized. Not doing so could lead to increased outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

“The important thing to remember is the numbers of cases of most vaccine-preventable diseases have been reduced by 97% or more since the introduction of vaccines,” said Linda Abel, UDOH Immunization Program Manager. “To keep rates low and increase the level of protection, we must continue to adequately immunize our children,” she added.

In tough economic times, families may neglect basic health needs like immunizations. But the Vaccines for Children Program can ease the financial burden by offering no- or low-cost immunizations. Eligible children include those who are:

• Without insurance
• Enrolled in Medicaid
• Enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Native American or Alaskan Native, or
• Underinsured (insurance doesn’t cover immunizations).

VFC vaccines are available for eligible children from birth through age 18 years and are available at most local health departments and community health centers. Many private providers also participate in the VFC Program.

Although the vaccines a child may receive are free, a provider’s office may still charge a small fee for an office visit and an administrative fee to give the vaccines. If a child's insurance or Medicaid status changes, the parent is obligated to inform the doctor's office or clinic of those changes.

To find vaccines for a child, contact your health care provider to find out if the office is a participating provider or call your local health department or the Utah Immunization Program at 1-800-275-0659. Visit www.immunize-utah.org for more information.

# # #