PNEUMOVAX 23

Indicated For

Pneumococcal disease prevention

About This Medication

# Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get PNEUMOVAX 23 at Low or No Cost PNEUMOVAX 23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent, or PPSV23) is a vaccine that helps protect adults against serious infections from 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The **Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program** provides this vaccine at no cost to qualifying uninsured U.S. residents aged 19 and older who cannot afford it.[1][5] ## About PNEUMOVAX 23 **PNEUMOVAX 23** is recommended for adults 65 and older, as well as younger adults with certain health conditions like chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, smoking, or weakened immune systems. It contains polysaccharides from 23 strains of *Streptococcus pneumoniae* bacteria to stimulate your immune system to fight these infections. Unlike some newer vaccines, it's a single-dose shot for most people, though your doctor may recommend it alongside others like Prevnar.[1][5] Always consult your healthcare provider to see if it's right for you—this program covers it only if prescribed. ## Who Qualifies? To qualify for free PNEUMOVAX 23 through this program, you must meet these key criteria: - Be a **U.S. resident** (including territories; no U.S. citizenship required). - Be **aged 19 or older**. - Have **no health insurance or vaccine coverage** (including Medicare, Medicaid, or private plans).[1][2][3] - Have a **prescription** from a licensed healthcare professional who determines you need the vaccine.[1][5] **Income eligibility**: While specific thresholds aren't listed, the program verifies your **current gross annual household income** (before taxes, including Social Security, pensions, etc.). You report this on the form along with household size, and Merck checks it via credit report authorization or documents. It's designed for those who can't afford the vaccine otherwise—everyone uninsured and meeting other rules can apply, with income helping confirm need.[1][2][5] ### Income Eligibility Breakdown | Household Size | Estimated Income Consideration | Notes | |---------------|-------------------------------|-------| | 1 person | Report gross annual income; verification required | No fixed limit stated; program for uninsured who can't pay [1][2] | | 2 people | Include all household dependents on income | Social Security/pensions count [2][5] | | 3+ people | Larger households may qualify easier due to per-person assessment | Submit proof if not using credit check [1] | *Table based on program forms; no strict cutoffs published. Income helps ensure aid goes to those in need.*[1][2] ## Insurance Requirements You **must not have any health insurance covering vaccines**. This includes: - Private health insurance. - Medicare (Part B may cover vaccines, but program excludes Medicare beneficiaries with coverage).[3] - Medicaid or other government programs. - Employer or military coverage.[1][2][3] If you have any coverage, explore your plan first—PNEUMOVAX 23 might be free or low-cost through insurance. Medicare Part D users or those with supplemental plans typically don't qualify.[3] Confirm with your doctor. ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Talk to your doctor**: Discuss if PNEUMOVAX 23 is right. They must prescribe it and agree to administer.[5][7] 2. **Complete the enrollment form together**: Download from merckhelps.com. Sections include: - **Patient info**: Name, address, phone, DOB, gender, U.S. resident status, insurance (mark 'none').[2][7] - **Authorizations**: Sign for income verification (credit report or documents) and program terms.[1][3] - **Income**: Gross annual household income, # of dependents, verification method.[2] - **Prescriber sections**: Doctor's info, vaccine name/NDC, signature.[2][7] 3. **Gather documents (if needed)**: For income proof (Option 2): Recent 1040 tax form, 1 month pay stubs, SS/pension/unemployment/disability/VA letter, employer letter. Fax with form.[1][5] 4. **Fax before vaccination**: Doctor faxes **all pages** to **800-528-2551**. Do **not** give the vaccine until approved—get a **confirmation number** first.[1][2][3][7] 5. **Approval**: Processed in ~10 minutes. Doctor gets phone call; vaccine replaced quarterly if administered timely.[1][2][3] Use the checklist PDF to avoid errors.[2] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Goal of **10 minutes** or less for complete forms.[1][2] - **Vaccine delivery**: **No direct ship to patients**. Approved doses replaced via **quarterly shipments to your doctor's office**. Administer within **30 days** of approval, or reapply. Provide lot # post-shot.[3] - **Multi-dose?** New form per dose, approved before each.[1][5] Expect vaccine at your next visit after approval. ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Check Vaccines for Children (VFC)**: Free for kids/underinsured (not adults).[5] - **State/local health departments**: Low/no-cost vaccines. - **Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)**: Sliding-scale fees. - **Other Merck programs** or manufacturer coupons (if insured).[4] - **Newer vaccines** like Prevnar 20/23 if appropriate. - **Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation** or RxAssist for grants. Search rxassist.org or call 1-800-293-3881 for help.[5][6] ## Disclaimer This guide summarizes publicly available info as of program docs. Eligibility/rules can change—verify with Merck at 800-293-3881 or merckhelps.com. Not medical/financial advice. Consult your doctor/insurer. Merck may audit; falsifying info disqualifies. Vaccine must be prescribed; program doesn't cover prior doses.[1][3] Word count: 1028.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026