Stamaril

Indicated For

Yellow fever prevention

About This Medication

# Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Stamaril at Low or No Cost Stamaril is a **yellow fever vaccine** used to prevent yellow fever, a serious viral disease spread by mosquitoes in tropical areas of South America and Africa. This guide explains the **Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program (VPAP)**, which provides Stamaril free to eligible uninsured U.S. residents aged 19+ with low income[1][5]. ## About Stamaril and When It's Needed **Stamaril** (also known as YF-VAX in the U.S.) is a live attenuated vaccine that protects against yellow fever. It's required for travel to certain countries and recommended for people living or working in endemic areas. A single dose provides lifelong immunity in most cases, though boosters may be needed in specific situations. Your doctor determines if it's right for you based on travel plans, health history, and risks[1]. The vaccine is administered by injection and must be given at least 10 days before potential exposure. Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, headache, or mild fever. Serious reactions are rare but discuss risks with your healthcare provider[1]. ## Who Qualifies for the Program? The Merck VPAP helps uninsured adults get Merck vaccines like Stamaril at no cost if they meet these criteria: - **Age**: 19 years or older. - **Residency**: Live in the U.S. or U.S. territory (U.S. citizenship not required). - **Insurance**: No health insurance or vaccine coverage (including Medicare, Medicaid, or private plans). - **Income**: Household income at or below **200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**. Special consideration for financial or medical hardship. - **Prescription**: A licensed healthcare professional must determine the vaccine is medically necessary[1][2][5]. **Important**: Apply and get approval **before** receiving the vaccine. Doses given without prior approval won't be replaced[1][3]. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Eligibility is based on **gross annual household income** (before taxes, including Social Security, pensions, etc.) compared to 200% FPL. Here's a table for 2026 guidelines (thresholds adjust yearly; confirm current FPL at application): | Household Size | Max Annual Income | |----------------|-------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $41,600 | | 2 (Couple) | $56,000 | | 4 | $84,800 | *Notes*: For 3-person households, interpolate (e.g., ~$70,400). Provide household member count on form. Hardship cases may qualify up to limits even if slightly over[1][2]. ## Insurance Requirements You **must have no health insurance coverage** for vaccines. This includes: - Private insurance. - Medicare (Part B or D). - Medicaid. - VA benefits or other government programs covering vaccines[1][3]. If you have any coverage, explore it first. Medicare beneficiaries are typically ineligible[3]. ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Talk to Your Doctor**: Discuss travel needs and confirm Stamaril is prescribed. They complete vaccine details (name, NDC, dose number)[2][7]. 2. **Complete the Enrollment Form**: Download from merckhelps.com. Fill sections: - **Patient Info**: Name, address, DOB, gender, US resident status, no insurance confirmation. - **Income**: Gross household income, # of dependents, verification method. - **Authorizations**: Sign for income/credit check and terms[1][2]. 3. **Income Proof (if not authorizing credit check)**: Fax one of: - Recent 1040 tax form. - 1 month pay stubs. - SS/pension/unemployment/disability/VA benefits letter. - Employer letter[1][5]. 4. **Doctor Signs**: Prescriber signs, adds practice info and delivery hours[2]. 5. **Fax Application**: Doctor faxes **all pages** to **800-528-2551**. Call **(800) 293-3881** for questions[1][5][7]. 6. **Get Confirmation**: Program calls doctor with approval/confirmation number (usually <10 minutes)[1][2]. **Tip**: Use black/blue pen, answer everything neatly. Review together before faxing[7]. ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Goal of **less than 10 minutes** after receiving complete form[1][2]. - **Administer Vaccine**: Only after confirmation. Doctor administers. - **Replacement**: Merck ships quarterly to doctor's office (report lot # and admin date). Use within 30 days of approval or reapply[3]. For multi-dose needs (rare for yellow fever), reapply per dose[1][5]. ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **PPD Programs**: Patient assistance via pharmacies or clinics. - **Travel Clinics**: Some offer sliding-scale fees. - **VFC Program**: For kids/underinsured (not adults). - **State Health Depts**: Free/low-cost vaccines for travel. - **Other Funds**: CDC travelers' health, non-profits like Direct Relief. If denied, ask reason (e.g., income, insurance) and reapply if circumstances change[6]. ## Reauthorization and Refills **Reauthorization required** for additional doses. Submit new form per dose[1][5]. No automatic refills; track with doctor[3]. ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on Merck VPAP details as of 2026. Program terms can change; verify at merckhelps.com or call (800) 293-3881. Not medical/financial advice. Consult your doctor for health decisions. Merck not liable for application errors. Income thresholds approximate 200% FPL; use form's calculator if available[1][2][5]. (Word count: 1028)

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026