Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
Vaccinations are a crucial part of a child’s healthcare, protecting against serious diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough. But how much do pediatric vaccines cost?
The price depends on the type of vaccine, whether a child is insured, and if they qualify for free or low-cost immunization programs. Let’s break down the cost of each vaccine, insurance coverage, and ways to save money on childhood immunizations.
How Much Do Pediatric Vaccines Cost in 2025?
Vaccine |
Age Given |
Doses Required |
Cost Per Dose (Without Insurance) |
Total Cost (Without Insurance) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hepatitis B (HepB) |
Birth, 1-2 months, 6-18 months |
3 |
$25 – $60 |
$75 – $180 |
Rotavirus (RV) |
2, 4, (6) months |
2 or 3 |
$80 – $130 |
$160 – $390 |
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) |
2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, 4-6 years |
5 |
$30 – $50 |
$150 – $250 |
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) |
2, 4, (6), 12-15 months |
3 or 4 |
$20 – $50 |
$60 – $200 |
Pneumococcal (PCV13 or PCV15) |
2, 4, 6, 12-15 months |
4 |
$100 – $200 |
$400 – $800 |
Polio (IPV) |
2, 4, 6-18 months, 4-6 years |
4 |
$25 – $60 |
$100 – $240 |
Influenza (Flu Shot) |
Annually (6 months & up) |
Varies |
$30 – $75 |
$30 – $75 per year |
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) |
12-15 months, 4-6 years |
2 |
$60 – $100 |
$120 – $200 |
Varicella (Chickenpox) |
12-15 months, 4-6 years |
2 |
$100 – $150 |
$200 – $300 |
Hepatitis A (HepA) |
12-23 months (2 doses) |
2 |
$30 – $70 |
$60 – $140 |
Meningococcal (MenACWY, MenB) |
11-12 years, 16 years |
2 |
$120 – $180 |
$240 – $360 |
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) |
11-12 years (2-3 doses) |
2 or 3 |
$150 – $250 |
$300 – $750 |
🔹 Total Out-of-Pocket Cost for All Required Vaccines: $1,500 – $4,000 (if paying without insurance).
What Affects the Cost of Pediatric Vaccines?
- Insurance Coverage – Most insurance plans fully cover childhood vaccines, but uninsured families pay full price.
- Vaccine Type – Combination vaccines (e.g., DTaP-IPV-HepB) may cost more per dose but reduce the total number of shots.
- Where You Get Vaccinated – Costs are higher at private clinics and lower at community health centers.
- Travel Vaccines – Some optional vaccines (e.g., Japanese Encephalitis, Yellow Fever) cost extra.
Where to Get Pediatric Vaccines (Cost Comparison)
Location |
Cost Per Shot (Without Insurance) |
Cost With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Pediatrician’s Office |
$50 – $250 |
Usually covered |
Urgent Care Clinics |
$50 – $200 |
Usually covered |
Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, etc.) |
$30 – $200 |
Often covered for older children |
Public Health Clinics |
$0 – $50 |
Usually covered |
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program |
$0 |
Fully covered |
🔹 The VFC program provides free vaccines for children who are uninsured or on Medicaid.
Does Insurance Cover Pediatric Vaccines?
Insurance Type |
Coverage for Childhood Vaccines |
|---|---|
Employer/Private Insurance |
Fully covered under ACA |
Medicaid (CHIP) |
Fully covered for eligible children |
Covers only flu & COVID-19 for kids |
|
No Insurance |
Must pay full price (or use VFC program) |
🔹 Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all insurance plans must cover childhood vaccines at 100% with no copay.
How to Get Free or Low-Cost Pediatric Vaccines
- Enroll in Medicaid or CHIP – These programs cover all routine vaccines for children.
- Use the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program – This federally funded program provides free vaccines for uninsured or underinsured kids.
- Go to a Community Health Clinic – Many offer low-cost or sliding-scale vaccinations.
- Ask Your Pediatrician for Payment Plans – Some offices offer installment payments for vaccines.
Are Pediatric Vaccines Worth the Cost?
Vaccines prevent serious diseases that could lead to costly hospital stays or long-term complications.
Disease |
Cost of Treatment Without Vaccination |
|---|---|
Measles (Hospitalization & Treatment) |
$10,000 – $30,000 |
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) |
$5,000 – $10,000 |
Meningitis (ICU & Long-Term Care) |
$50,000+ |
HPV-Related Cancers (Without HPV Vaccine) |
$50,000 – $100,000+ |
🔹 Getting vaccinated is far cheaper than treating preventable diseases.
Final Thoughts
Pediatric vaccines cost $1,500 – $4,000 if paid out-of-pocket, but most families qualify for free or low-cost vaccinations through insurance, Medicaid, or the VFC program.
- Insurance covers vaccines at 100% under the ACA.
- The VFC program provides free vaccines for uninsured children.
- Community clinics offer low-cost options for families in need.
- Preventing disease through vaccination is far cheaper than treating infections.
Do you have questions about vaccine costs? Share your thoughts in the comments.
For real-world healthcare pricing insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com.
