Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NC Childhood Immunizations

Which vaccines does my child need for school entry in North Carolina?
Your child must be vaccinated against 10 diseases to enter school in North Carolina. Those diseases are:

• diphtheria
• tetanus
• pertussis
• polio
• measles
• mumps
• rubella
• haemophilus influenza type B (Hib)
• hepatitis B
• chickenpox

How much will the vaccines cost? A federal program, called the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, provides these vaccines at no cost to children through age 18 who are one of the following:

• Medicaid-eligible
• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Uninsured
• Underinsured. Underinsured means your child has health insurance, but it won't cover the vaccine(s) because:
  • It doesn’t cover any vaccines.
  • It doesn’t cover certain vaccines.
  • It covers vaccines, but it has a fixed dollar limit or cap for vaccines. Once that fixed dollar amount has been reached, your child is eligible.

Even though vaccines are provided for free through the VFC program, there can be other costs to the VFC visit. There are two kinds of fees doctors can charge:

• Administration Fee. Doctors can charge a fee to give each shot. However, VFC vaccines cannot be denied to an eligible child if the family cannot afford the fee.
• Office Visit Fee. There can be a fee for the office visit, unless it’s an immunization only visit.

If you are insured, you should know that many health insurance companies cover the cost of vaccines and vaccine services. You may have to reach a deductible or make a co-payment. Contact your health insurance company to find out which vaccines, and vaccine services, are covered under your plan. Be sure to ask whether you are responsible for paying a portion of the cost for the vaccines.

If my child’s insurance is provided by N.C. Health Choice, is he/she eligible for VFC Vaccine?

No. A child with NC Health Choice is considered insured and is not eligible for VFC vaccine.

Where can I get more information?
For more information about the VFC Program, immunizations required for school entry in North Carolina, and general information on vaccines, visit http://www.immunize.nc.gov/

NOTICE:
Once the transitional supply of vaccine is depleted, patients with private insurance will be required to pay for the vaccine (if available) and file their own insurance claim.

Page last updated on:  May 15, 2024