Gardasil is an FDA-approved vaccine which protects against the four most common strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). These four HPV strains account for most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. Although Gardasil is recommended for girls from ages nine to 26, many do not opt for it because of the price. Not all health insurance companies cover the cost of the Gardasil vaccine at this point. Here are some tips on how to get the Gardasil vaccine for free or at a lower cost.
Merck Patient Assistance Program
The Merck Patient Assistance Program is one of the ways to get Gardasil for free. In order to qualify for this vaccine assistance program, individuals must:
- be between the ages of 19 and 26
- earn less than a certain amount of money a year ($43,320 for individuals, $58,280 for couples, and $88,200 for a family of four).
Keep in mind that Merck does make exceptions for some individuals. One does not need to be a United States citizen to qualify for this assistance program. Visit the Merck Patient Assistance Program website to find out how it works.
Vaccines for Children Program
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program is an assistance program for children with parents who are unable to afford the Gardasil vaccine. In order to qualify for this program, individuals must:
- be under 18 years of age
- be uninsured or have health insurance which does not cover the cost of vaccines
- qualify for Medicaid
Children who qualify for the VCF Program are eligible to receive recommended vaccines. Gardasil is one of the vaccines which is covered by the program. Children who are between the ages of nine and 17 will qualify for the VCF Program, which is offered by each state’s Medicaid and Medicare services.
Planned Parenthood
It is generally recommended for girls and young women who are interested in low cost or free Gardasil vaccines to go to Planned Parenthood. The cost of health care at Planned Parenthood is determined by household income. Keep in mind that people who are unable to afford the HPV vaccine will most likely be referred to the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program or the Vaccines for Children Program by Planned Parenthood.
The Gardasil vaccine can protect girls and young women from both cervical cancer and deadly warts. The vaccine, which consists of three shots at about $120, can save a woman’s life in the future. With the assistance programs which are available to help those who are unable to afford the cost of Gardasil, being unable to afford the vaccine is not a reason to avoid getting it. Since HPV is estimated to affect at least one in two people, all young women should think about getting the Gardasil vaccine.
Jody Morse - Jody Morse is a freelance writer from the Poconos. She earned her B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in ...
Join the Conversation