AUSTIN, Texas –  2024 marks a milestone as the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program celebrates its 30th year of safeguarding children through immunization. It’s important for parents and guardians to ensure their children have the vaccine protection they need as we head deeper into COVID-19 and flu season.

“It's thanks to the Vaccines for Children Program that low-income and uninsured families can get their kids the immunizations they need to live long, healthy lives,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “We have generations of proof, 30 years with this program alone, that vaccines are safe and ensure a healthier community for us all.”

The VFC Program was started in 1994 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention following a nationwide measles outbreak. Many children contracted the vaccine-preventable virus, highlighting a need to make vaccines more readily available. The need for no-cost vaccines, including the MMR vaccine, is as pertinent as ever as there has been a recent resurgence in measles outbreaks across the country after the virus was deemed eradicated in 2000 in the U.S.

APH is a VFC provider, and every year, VFC helps APH vaccinate children against flu, COVID-19, mumps, measles, rubella and other preventable diseases in Austin-Travis County. APH also administers the VFC Program to more than 80 providers in our area.

APH’s Immunizations Unit has developed new ways to bring these low-cost vaccinations to those who need them most, including our Mobile Vaccination Program and Shots for Tots. VFC also played a crucial role in getting vaccines to our neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2023, VFC delivered 74 million free doses of important vaccines for kids to participating public health and health care partners nationwide.

“The Vaccines for Children Program has allowed APH and other health departments across the country to save countless lives. While we celebrate this milestone, the work isn’t over,” said APH Acting Assistant Director Chris Crookham. “Anyone who needs help with affording vaccines for their kids can come to one of our clinics and get their children the protection they need for a low cost.”

A child is eligible for the VFC Program if they are 18 years old or younger and meet any of the criteria:

• Uninsured

• Medicaid-eligible or Medicaid-enrolled

• American Indian or Alaska Native

• Underinsured

Vaccines are readily available at APH’s Shots for Tots clinics. Make an appointment today by calling 512-972-5520.