Routine Vaccinations for Children

Childhood immunizations are vital in protecting our children from many childhood diseases. Nationally, mandatory childhood immunizations programs have resulted in the elimination or reduction of many childhood diseases including measles, chickenpox, HIB meningitis, polio, etc. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that immunizations save the lives of over 3 million children per year.

The Knox County Health Department follows the recommendations set forth by the National Immunizations Schedule . Tennessee State Law requires that children receive the vaccines outlined in thes chedule prior to entering school or childcare.

Consequently, the Knox County Health Department provides free immunization services for children in Knox County who receive vaccinations as outlined in the National Immunizations Schedule . There is a $10.00 out of county administration fee for children residing outside of Knox County .

 

Documentation Changes for Vaccines for Children Program

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program is a federal entitlement program which supplies federally-funded vaccine to immunization providers for children up to their 19th birthday who are enrolled in TennCare, who have no health insurance, or who are American Indian or Alaskan Native. Federal VFC law is now requiring that proper documentation of patient eligibility for VFC vaccine be provided at every immunization visit. This means that insurance status and vaccine coverage must be confirmed at each immunization visit for all children less than 19 years of age.

Due to this new requirement, every patient less than 19-years-old wanting immunization must provide insurance information and must know whether or not his or her insurance covers the requested immunization. Without the needed information, the patient will be asked to come back to receive immunization services when he or she has the necessary information.

Click here for information on the Knox County Health Department's Vaccine Price List.