GARDASIL 9

Indicated For

HPV infection, cervical cancer prevention, anal cancer prevention, genital warts

About This Medication

# Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get GARDASIL 9 at Low or No Cost ## About GARDASIL 9 GARDASIL 9 (Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant) is a vaccine manufactured by Merck that protects against nine types of human papillomavirus (HPV). This vaccine is used to prevent certain cancers and diseases caused by HPV infection. If you've been prescribed GARDASIL 9 but are concerned about the cost, the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program may be able to help you receive this vaccine at no cost. ## Who Qualifies for This Program To qualify for the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program for GARDASIL 9, you must meet the following eligibility requirements: **Residency and Age Requirements:** - You must currently live in the United States or a U.S. territory - You must be 19 years of age or older - You do not need to be a U.S. citizen **Insurance Requirements:** You must not have health insurance or other coverage for vaccines. This includes: - Private health insurance - Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) - Medicaid - Medicare - State vaccination programs - Veterans assistance programs - Social services coverage However, patients facing special circumstances of financial and medical hardship may qualify even if they have some coverage. If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies, contact the program at 800-293-3881. **Medical Requirement:** A licensed healthcare professional must determine that you should be vaccinated with GARDASIL 9 and must support your application. ## Income Eligibility The program primarily serves uninsured patients. While specific income thresholds are not published, the program uses a guideline of up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level as a reference point for determining financial need. Patients facing documented financial hardship may qualify regardless of exact income level. | Household Size | 200% Federal Poverty Level (2026 estimate) | |---|---| | Individual | ~$28,000 | | Family of 2 | ~$37,600 | | Family of 3 | ~$47,200 | | Family of 4 | ~$56,800 | *Note: These are approximate figures based on federal poverty guidelines. The program evaluates each application individually.* ## Insurance and Medicare Considerations If you have Medicare, you are generally not eligible for this program unless you can demonstrate significant financial hardship. Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare Part D coverage are expected to use their prescription drug coverage for vaccines. If you have private insurance, Medicaid, or other coverage, you are typically not eligible. However, if you face exceptional circumstances—such as high out-of-pocket costs, coverage gaps, or documented medical hardship—you may contact the program to discuss your specific situation. ## Step-by-Step Application Process **Step 1: Consult Your Healthcare Provider** Talk with your doctor or licensed healthcare professional to confirm that GARDASIL 9 is appropriate for you and that you need vaccination. Your healthcare provider must be willing to support your application and administer the vaccine. **Step 2: Gather Required Documents** You will need to provide proof of your household income. Acceptable documents include: - Most recent 1040 Federal Tax Form - One month of recent pay stubs (dated prior to application) - Social Security Benefits Letter - Veteran Benefits Statement - Unemployment Benefit Statement - Disability Statement - Pension Letter - Letter from your employer Alternatively, you may authorize the program to verify your income through a consumer report or credit report check (this will not affect your credit rating). **Step 3: Complete the Enrollment Form** Both you and your healthcare provider must complete and sign the official Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program enrollment form. The form includes: - Your personal information (name, address, phone, date of birth, gender) - Confirmation that you are a U.S. resident - Your insurance/coverage information - Your annual gross household income (before taxes) and number of household members - Your authorization for the program to verify your information - Your healthcare provider's information and signature - The vaccine name and National Drug Code (NDC) number - Dose number (if applicable) You must sign two separate sections: the Applicant Declarations (confirming the information is accurate and that you cannot afford the vaccine without assistance) and the Applicant Authorization (allowing the program to verify your information). **Step 4: Submit the Application** Your healthcare provider must fax the completed, signed enrollment form to the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program at **800-528-2551**. All pages must be included, and the form must be signed with an original signature (signature stamps are not accepted). **Important:** The enrollment form must be submitted and approved BEFORE the vaccine is administered. Doses administered before approval will not be replaced. **Step 5: Receive Approval and Confirmation** Once approved, the program will provide your healthcare provider with a confirmation number. Your provider will receive notification by phone. Do not receive the vaccine until you have received this confirmation number. ## Timeline and Delivery **Processing Time:** The program aims to process completed enrollment forms in less than 10 minutes from the time they receive your signed form and any supporting documents. **Vaccine Delivery:** Once your application is approved, Merck will ship the GARDASIL 9 vaccine directly to your healthcare provider's office. Your provider will then administer the vaccine during an appointment. **Multi-Dose Series:** GARDASIL 9 requires multiple doses. A new enrollment form must be completed, submitted, and approved before you receive each dose in the series. Your healthcare provider will need to submit a separate application for each dose. ## What Happens If Your Application Is Denied If your application is denied, you have several options: 1. **Contact the Program:** Call 800-293-3881 to discuss why your application was denied and whether you can provide additional information or documentation. 2. **Reapply with Additional Information:** If your circumstances have changed or you can provide additional documentation of financial hardship, you may submit a new application. 3. **Explore Other Resources:** Ask your healthcare provider about other patient assistance programs, community health centers, or state vaccination programs that may be able to help. 4. **Discuss Payment Plans:** Your healthcare provider may be able to offer a payment plan or direct you to other resources. ## Reauthorization Requirements If more than 30 days pass between the date your application was approved and the date the vaccine is administered, you must submit a new application. Your healthcare provider must provide the date of administration and lot number to the program for all approved doses so that replacement product can be provided if needed. ## Important Reminders - Do not receive the vaccine until after the program provides a confirmation number - Vaccines administered before application approval will not be replaced - You must authorize the program to verify your income information - Both you and your healthcare provider must sign the application - A new application is required for each dose in the series - The program processes applications quickly, typically in less than 10 minutes ## Questions? If you have questions about the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program or your eligibility for GARDASIL 9, contact the program at: **Phone:** 800-293-3881 You can also visit the official Merck patient assistance website or ask your healthcare provider for more information. ## Disclaimer This guide provides general information about the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program based on program guidelines. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and program policies may change. For the most current and accurate information, contact the program directly at 800-293-3881 or consult with your healthcare provider. This guide is not a substitute for official program documentation or medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about whether GARDASIL 9 is appropriate for you.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026