Factors Affecting Vaccine Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Many things go into how a vaccine is priced, including who manufactures the vaccine, the type and how many doses are required. For example, the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) is given 5 times over several years of your child\u2019s life, beginning right after birth followed by booster shots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Types of Vaccines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are many different vaccines and they all help to prevent different infections by boosting your immune system to fight back more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Childhood vaccines typically include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Influenza (Flu): <\/strong>Typically introduced at the 6-month mark, this is part of the recommended vaccines for children and adults.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- HPV: <\/strong>A newer vaccine for children ages 11-12. It is thought to prevent certain cancers in adulthood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hepatitis B: <\/strong>Prevents a common infection in the United States and around the world. Typically, the first in a series is given at the 1-2 month age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DTaP: (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): <\/strong>The first in the series is administered at 1-2 months of age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- HiB (Haemophilus Influenza Type B)<\/strong>: This prevents many different types of infections, including ear infections, bronchitis, blood infections, meningitis, pneumonia and more. This first in a series is given at 1-2 months of age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Polio<\/strong>: This now-inactivated version of the polio vaccine is given in a series beginning at 1-2 months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): <\/strong>Most children get their first MMR from 12-23 months. This is generally followed by another dose at 4-6 years of age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pneumococcal: <\/strong>A vaccination for pneumonia is generally administered as part of a child\u2019s first set of vaccines at 1-2 months.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Here is a chart that helps explain childhood immunizations and the timeline when they should be administered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/Freeway-vaccines3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAdult vaccines differ from those recommended for children, but are still important. Some vaccines for adults include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Hepatitis B<\/strong>: This is a common infection in the U.S. The vaccine is administered in a series of three shots.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Influenza<\/strong>: Each year, the flu virus puts about 200,000 people in the hospital. It is recommended to get a flu vaccine at or near the beginning of the winter season, when flu is rampant. This is especially critical for seniors and people at higher risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- MMR<\/strong>: The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is recommended for adults whether they had one as a child or not. Increased world travel from countries without immunization programs boosts the chance of contracting it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pneumococcal<\/strong>: Pneumonia and meningitis can be deadly diseases, especially in the older population. A new, one-dose shot provides lifelong protection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- TD\/Tdap<\/strong>: The Tdap vaccine is only for those 7 years old and older and combats tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. The tetanus shot should be given every 10 years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Locations to Find Free or Reduced Cost Vaccines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Just because you don\u2019t have private health insurance<\/a> should not stop you from vaccinating yourself and your children against harmful agents that live in the environment or can be passed from one individual to another. Here are some places you can look for free or reduced cost vaccines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Community Health Center<\/strong>: Often administered by the state or local health department, these sites often provide vaccinations on a free access or sliding scale, depending on your income.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adult Programs<\/strong>: Also through a state health department and specific to uninsured adults. You can find one close to you on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Charitable Organizations<\/strong>: These health centers are typically funded by the federal government and offer a variety of services, including low-cost adult vaccines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Discount Programs<\/strong>: Programs such as GoodRx<\/a> will provide discount coupons and a list of retail pharmacies in your area that will honor those coupons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Role of Pharmaceutical Companies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vaccine manufacturers play a large part in how much vaccines cost, but they also offer financial assistance for a wide variety of their products. Here are some common vaccinations by pharmaceutical company and the website address where you ask for assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Adult Programs<\/strong>: Also through a state health department and specific to uninsured adults. You can find one close to you on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Influenza<\/strong>: Each year, the flu virus puts about 200,000 people in the hospital. It is recommended to get a flu vaccine at or near the beginning of the winter season, when flu is rampant. This is especially critical for seniors and people at higher risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- HPV: <\/strong>A newer vaccine for children ages 11-12. It is thought to prevent certain cancers in adulthood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Asian](\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/Freeway-vaccines2.jpg\")
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