VAXNEUVANCE

Indicated For

Invasive pneumococcal disease

About This Medication

# Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get VAXNEUVANCE at Low or No Cost VAXNEUVANCE (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine) is a vaccine designed to help protect adults and children from serious infections caused by 15 types of pneumococcal bacteria, which can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The **Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program** provides this vaccine at no cost to eligible patients who lack insurance coverage for vaccines and meet specific criteria, primarily focusing on uninsured U.S. residents aged 19 and older facing financial hardship. ## About VAXNEUVANCE **VAXNEUVANCE** is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against 15 serotypes of *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, a bacterium responsible for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). It is indicated for active immunization in adults and children to prevent diseases like pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis. Administered as a single intramuscular dose (0.5 mL), it is especially important for high-risk groups such as older adults, those with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease), smokers, or immunocompromised individuals. Unlike older vaccines, VAXNEUVANCE covers additional serotypes for broader protection. Always consult your healthcare provider to confirm if it's right for you, as it may be part of a multi-dose series in some cases. ## Who Qualifies? This program is **primarily for uninsured patients** living in the United States (U.S. residents aged 19+, no citizenship required). Key eligibility includes: - No health insurance or other coverage for vaccines (e.g., private insurance, Medicare Part D, Medicaid). - Financial and medical hardship, evaluated case-by-case since specific income thresholds are not publicly fixed; gross annual household income is verified. - A licensed prescriber must determine the vaccine is medically necessary and complete the application. Special note: Medicare beneficiaries or those with some coverage may qualify under financial/medical hardship exceptions, but uninsured status is prioritized. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown The program does not list rigid federal poverty level (FPL) percentages or fixed income thresholds like many drug PAPs. Instead, it assesses **gross annual household income** (before taxes, including Social Security, pensions) relative to household size, considering financial hardship. Patients authorize income verification via credit report or supporting documents. | Household Size | Estimated Income Consideration | Notes | |---------------|-------------------------------|-------| | 1 (Individual) | Case-by-case; provide proof | Primarily uninsured; hardship reviewed | | 2 (Couple) | Case-by-case; provide proof | Include all dependents on income | | 3 | Case-by-case; provide proof | Gross income before taxes | | 4+ | Case-by-case; provide proof | Add $5,000+ per additional member typically for context, but program-specific | **Income Proof Options** (submit one): - Most recent 1040 Federal Tax Form - One month of pay stubs - Social Security Benefits Letter - Veteran/Unemployment/Disability/Pension Statement - Employer letter Verification does not affect your credit score.[1][2][5] ## Insurance Requirements Patients must **lack vaccine coverage** through health insurance. Examples of disqualifying coverage: - Private health insurance - Medicare (Part B/D) - Medicaid - Other third-party payers However, **financial or medical hardship** can allow exceptions for those not fully uninsured. Disclose all coverage accurately on the form; falsification disqualifies you. Medicare patients: Specify Part D status.[3] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Consult Your Doctor**: Discuss VAXNEUVANCE need. Your licensed prescriber (MD, NP, etc.) initiates. 2. **Complete Enrollment Form**: Download from merckhelps.com. Sections: - **Patient Info**: Name, address, DOB, gender, US residency, insurance details, income (household gross, # members), verification choice. - **Authorization**: Sign for income/credit check and terms. - **Prescriber**: Office details, vaccine (VAXNEUVANCE + NDC), signature. Patient and prescriber **must sign/date**.[1][2][7] 3. **Attach Proof**: If not authorizing credit check, include one income document copy. 4. **Fax Application**: Prescriber faxes **all pages** to **800-528-2551**. Call **(800) 293-3881** for help.[5][7] 5. **Await Approval**: Do **not** administer vaccine until confirmed (phone to prescriber). Goal: <10 minutes.[1][2] **Tip**: Use black/blue pen, answer everything neatly. Review together before faxing.[7] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Under 10 minutes for complete forms; prescriber notified by phone with confirmation #.[2] - **Vaccine Use**: Administer post-approval; report lot # and admin date. - **Delivery**: Shipped free to prescriber's office quarterly for replacements (within 30 days of approval).[3] - **Multi-Dose**: New form per dose, approved before each.[1][5] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Other Vaccines**: Prevnar 20 (Pfizer) or Pneumovax 23 (Merck) via similar PAPs; check rxassist.org. - **Vaccines for Children (VFC)**: Free for kids <19 if eligible. - **State Programs**: Local health departments, 317 Program for adults. - **NeedyMeds/rxassist.org**: Search PAPs. - **Financial Aid**: Clinic sliding scales, community clinics. - **No Biosimilars**: None available for VAXNEUVANCE. If denied, reapply with updated docs or appeal via phone.[6] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available program details as of latest updates. Eligibility, terms, and availability can change; confirm with Merck at (800) 293-3881 or merckhelps.com. Not medical advice—consult your provider. Merck reserves rights to verify info, deny, or reclaim product. Administering pre-approval voids eligibility. Patient responsible for accurate info; fraud may have legal consequences. Word count: 1028.

Program information last verified: March 25, 2026