Effective Dec. 1, 2009 the State of North Carolina is changing the vaccinations covered by the North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) for children. Vaccinations that have been previously covered by NCIP will now be submitted to your private insurance company. Please check with your insurance company prior to your next office visit to make sure your insurance company covers vaccinations. Children covered under Medicaid, children who are uninsured, American Indian or Native Alaskan children and children who are underinsured (e.g. have private insurance but limited or no vaccine coverage) will still be covered under NCIP.

FAQs:

1.    If my child is covered under Medicaid, will her vaccination coverage be changed?

 No.

2.    If my child is covered under private insurance, will I have to pay out of pocket for her vaccinations?

 Please call your insurance company prior to your next office visit to find out how they handle vaccination coverage. Some companies may cover vaccinations completely, some companies may apply the vaccination cost to your deductible, some companies may only cover select vaccines.

3.    My child is covered on an insurance policy that does not include vaccinations, but I would still like her vaccinated. What can I do?

Your child would be considered “underinsured.” Please speak to your physician BEFORE the vaccines are administered.

4.    Is the flu vaccine one of the vaccines that is being affected?

No. There is no change in how the NCIP is covering the Seasonal Influenza or the H1N1 Influenza vaccines for children.