The cost of vaccines without insurance can be daunting, so we’re here to provide some clarity. The truth is, these non-negotiables can be unaffordable for most families without insurance covering them.
Childhood vaccines protect our children against a wide variety of otherwise life-altering or even deadly diseases. There are around 10 recommended vaccines for children between birth and the age of 18 months. Some of these require more than one dose.
There are also some other vaccines to consider for both your children and yourself. Some of these include the flu shot and the COVID-19 shot, both of which keep us safe from uncomfortable symptoms.
But what do these vaccines cost? We provide a breakdown of the cost of different vaccines below.
Common Childhood Vaccines & Their Average Costs
The CDC recommends the below vaccines for children at the specified ages.
Hepatitis-B Vaccine
The first shot your child will receive is the Hepatitis-B vaccine. They’re given the first dose around birth, the second dose around 1-2 months old, and the third dose can be given between 6 and 18 months of age. The cost per dose is around $21. That’s $84 in total.
Rotavirus Vaccine
The rotavirus vaccine is a double dose, given at the ages of 2 months and 4 months. Each dose costs between $75 and $99, bringing you to a total of between $150 and $198.
DTaP Vaccine
The next vaccine your child will need is the DTaP vaccine, which protects them against diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis. This is a four-dose vaccine, with the doses being given at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 15 months.
Each dose costs around $20, giving you a total of $80 for the DTaP vaccine.
Hib Vaccine
The Hib vaccine protects your child against Haemophilus influenzae and is given in 3 doses. These are given at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, and 15 months. Each dose costs between $9 and $10, so your total cost will be around $30.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
The Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is given in 4 doses. It’s given at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 months. This one is expensive, coming in at $150 per dose. That’s a total of $600 for all the required doses.
Polio Vaccine
The polio vaccine is given in 3 doses, at the ages of 2, 4, and 6 months. It’s around $14 per dose.
MMR & Varicella
The MMR and Varicella vaccines are given at around 12 months old. It can be given as a combination vaccine, which costs around $144.
Hepatitis-A vaccine
Lastly, your child will need the Hepatitis-A vaccine. This is a 2-dose series given between the ages of 12 months and 15 months. Each dose costs around $21, bringing the total to $42.
The Total Cost Of Recommended Childhood Vaccines Without Insurance
As you can tell, vaccines without insurance are expensive. Some children are at higher risk than others. This may mean they need more than the above-recommended vaccines, increasing the price you’ll pay out-of-pocket.
When adding the minimum amounts you can expect to pay for the above vaccines, we land at about $1172.
Keep in mind that some of the first doses are given in the first month, so you can’t really split this cost evenly over the first 18 months of your child’s life.
Are There Any Additional Vaccines I Should Consider?
Aside from these recommended vaccines, there are additional vaccines you might want to consider for yourself or your child. These include the annual flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine.
The flu vaccine is something you should get once a year. It protects you from the four strains scientists predict will be floating about during the upcoming flu season. They’re made by multiple brands, so naturally, are available at differing price points.
Different vaccines might be recommended for different age groups. This can change depending on the severity of the dominant flu strains in that year.
For the 2022-2023 flu season, it’s recommended that people over the age of 65 take one of the following three available flu vaccines: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine, and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine.
These offer a higher level of protection for the age group. If you are younger, the CDC doesn’t have a preference for any specific flu vaccine, as long as it is registered and age-appropriate.
How Much Does A Flu Shot Cost?
A flu shot will set you back around $50 for the standard vaccine, and $90 for the high-dose vaccine. This just means the vaccine is stronger and gives you extra antibodies which will help your body fight the flu virus if you come into contact with it.
Although the higher dose vaccines are highly recommended for those over the age of 65, that doesn’t mean younger people can’t opt for this option. You may opt for whichever option you are most comfortable with.
If you are insured, your insurer will likely cover the cost of these vaccines. There might be a copayment or deductible charged. It depends on your insurer’s terms.
How Much Do COVID-19 Vaccines Cost Without Insurance?
Currently, COVID-19 vaccines are among the few vaccines you will find free of charge in the US. The government is footing the bill for all vaccine costs in an attempt to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
However, there may be a hidden cost. Although the cost of the vaccine itself is covered by the government, there is an administration fee to cover the services of the person administering your shot.
Private Costs Of The COVID-19 Vaccine
It’s also important to take note that the government has set aside a certain amount for COVID-19 vaccines. When this fund runs dry, it will be expected that citizens pay for their own vaccine, as well as the associated costs.
When this happens, it’s been predicted that the cost of the vaccine will be marked up by 25% in the private sector. That means although the government pays only $19.50 per dose of the Pfizer vaccine, you’ll pay $24.38 per dose. The total cost for both doses will be $48.75.
One dose of the Moderna shot costs the government $32. Once the government stops funding these, you’ll pay $40 per dose and $80 in total for both doses.
The 25% markup is only an estimate, and it’s important to remember that the private sector can mark up the vaccines by up to 80%. This would mean that one shot of the Pfizer vaccine costs you $35.10, and one shot of the Moderna vaccine costs you $57.60.
Free COVID-19 Vaccines
For now, these vaccines are free. If you opt to receive them once the government stops funding them, the amount you pay out-of-pocket will change if you have insurance.
Because insurance companies want to mitigate risk, they will likely cover most or all of the cost of your vaccine. It’s impossible to say for sure the exact amount they will cover.
The best thing to do is to contact your insurance company and ask them what their policy is on covering the vaccine and the administration fees associated with it.
Can I Get Vaccines For Free Without Insurance?
Vaccines aren’t widely available for free in the US, unfortunately. As we mentioned earlier, the COVID-19 vaccine is currently available for free but will be charged when the fund allocated to the shots runs dry.
You also might need to cover an administration fee out-of-pocket. This depends on whether you have insurance, and whether your insurance covers that fee or not. The policies vary per insurance provider.
Health coverage drastically reduces the cost of vaccines. Having insurance can be accessible, and we’re here to help you. At Enhance Health, We can offer options for you if you have a low income, and even if you have no income.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, vaccines are expensive. If you’re worried about cost, insurance is the most viable option for you.
We know this can sound scary, and that insurance prices can be higher than the price of vaccines. The good news is that we offer a service that takes your needs and income into account, before recommending affordable insurance options.
You can compare prices and benefits to make the best decision for your physical and financial health. Contact us today, and we’ll take you through our easy 3-step process.
