What if I have no health insurance or I cannot pay for my child’s vaccines?
The Pennsylvania Vaccines for Children (PA VFC) program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay.
Vaccines for Children (VFC)
Philadelphia Vaccines for Children Program
Are vaccines safe?
- Vaccines are held to the highest standard of safety.
- The United States has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history.
- Vaccines are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness.
Vaccine Safety Resources
Immunization Action Coalition (IAC)
IAC is a nonprofit organization that promotes immunization. You will find reliable sources of information about immunizations, including links to
web sites, phone numbers, and books.
IAC Vaccine Information
This site includes a question and answer section for
vaccine preventable diseases, immunization information for infants, children, and adults, a collection of "Unprotected People" stories, and more.
Vaccine Education Center (VEC)
The goal of the VEC at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is to accurately communicate the facts about each childhood vaccine. VEC also publishes a monthly vaccine e-newsletter for parents titled “Parents Pack.” For more information or to subscribe, click
here.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC Vaccine Safety
Exemptions
The only exemptions to the school laws for immunizations are:
- Medical reasons
- Religious beliefs
- Philosophical/strong moral or ethical conviction.
If your child is exempt from immunizations, he or she may be removed from school during an outbreak.
For more information on the vaccines that are required for your child, talk with your healthcare provider, school nurse or call the Montgomery County Office of Public Health at one of its three public health centers.
- Pottstown Public Health Center: 610-970-5040
- Norristown Public Health Center: 610-278-5145
- Willow Grove Public Health Center: 215-784-5415