Free or Low-Cost Shots for Children

Information for parents about getting free or low-cost shots for their child through the Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) program.

Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) program

The MnVFC program offers free or low-cost vaccines for eligible children age 18 years and younger. This helps ensure that children are vaccinated on time by not letting the cost of vaccines prevent a parent or guardian from having their child receive recommended vaccines. Vaccinating on time means healthier children, families, and communities.

Who can get free or low-cost vaccines

Children age 0 through 18 years who meet at least one of the following criteria are eligible to receive vaccines through the MnVFC program:

• Medicaid eligible - A child who is eligible for the Medicaid program. In Minnesota this includes programs such as:
  • Medical Assistance
  • MinnesotaCare
  • Prepaid Medical Assistance Plan
  • Underinsured means the child has health insurance, but it:
    • Doesn't cover certain vaccines (children are eligible for vaccines not covered by insurance),
      or
    • Covers vaccines but has a fixed dollar limit or cap for vaccines. Once that fixed dollar amount is reached, a child is eligible.

    Privately insured children whose health insurance plan covers vaccinations but have out-of-pocket costs due to a high deductible are not eligible for the MnVFC program.

    You can use this form to see if your child qualifies for the MnVFC program.
    Can my child get free or low cost shots? (PDF)

    • Can my child get free or low cost shots? (Amharic) (PDF)
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    • Can my child get free or low cost shots? (Karen) (PDF)
    • Can my child get free or low cost shots? (Somali) (PDF)
    • Can my child get free or low cost shots? (Spanish) (PDF)

    How and where to get free or low-cost vaccines for children

    Parents do not have to enroll in the MnVFC program. Clinics participate in the program and offer vaccines for little or no cost to children who qualify. Most clinics that provide medical services to children in Minnesota participate in the MnVFC program. Simply ask your clinic about getting free or low-cost vaccines for your child.

    If your child does not have insurance or has insurance that does not cover vaccines, we recommend using the Vaccination Clinic Web Map to find clinics that offer low-cost shots.

    Costs associated with MnVFC program vaccinations

    There is no charge for the vaccines given by a MnVFC provider to eligible children. However, there can be other costs with the office visit, such as:

    • An administration fee of up to $21.22 for each shot.
    • A fee for the office visit.
    • Fees for non-vaccine services, such as an eye exam or blood test.

    The costs associated with the visit can also vary depending on what type of clinic you are visiting. You can call your clinic to ask if they participate in the MnVFC program and if there are any fees before you bring your child in.

    If your clinic does not participate in the MnVFC program or has fees that you cannot afford, call your local health department for assistance. Go to Find a Local Health Department or Community Health Board to contact your local public health clinic.

    Vaccines available through MnVFC

    Following the recommended immunization schedule protects children by providing protection from potentially life-threatening diseases early in life when they are most vulnerable. Contact your health care provider to determine which vaccines your child needs.

    The MnVFC program offers all routinely recommended vaccines that prevent the following diseases:

    • Diphtheria
    • Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
    • Hepatitis A
    • Hepatitis B
    • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
    • Influenza (Flu)
    • Measles
    • Meningococcal
    • Mumps
    • Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
    • Pneumococcal
    • Polio
    • Rotavirus
    • Rubella (German Measles)
    • Tetanus (Lockjaw)
    • Varicella (Chickenpox)
    • Me and My Family
    • Diseases Prevented by Vaccines

    Free or low-cost vaccines for adults

    The Uninsured and Underinsured Adult Vaccine (UUAV) program provides low-cost vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults age 19 years and older. Find participating clinics at Vaccination Clinics Serving Uninsured and Underinsured Adults.