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 that helps protect adults against 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 **free of charge** to eligible uninsured adults aged 19 and older living in the US, with no income requirements.[1][2][5] ## About Vaxneuvance **Vaxneuvance** is recommended for adults to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease, especially those at higher risk due to age (65+), chronic conditions like diabetes, heart or lung disease, smoking, or weakened immune systems. It contains polysaccharides from 15 pneumococcal serotypes conjugated to a carrier protein, stimulating a strong immune response. Administered as a single intramuscular dose (0.5 mL), it does not require boosters for most people unless advised by a doctor. Always consult your healthcare provider to see if it's right for you.[1][5] ## Who Qualifies? Eligibility is straightforward and focuses on key criteria: - **Age**: Must be 19 years or older.[1][2][5] - **Residency**: Live in the United States or U.S. territories (U.S. citizenship not required).[1][7] - **Insurance**: No health insurance or other coverage for vaccines, including Medicare, Medicaid, private plans, or VA benefits that cover vaccines.[1][2][3] - **Prescription**: A licensed healthcare professional must determine you need a Merck vaccine like Vaxneuvance and prescribe it.[1][5] **No income limits apply**—the program verifies household income only to confirm details but does not disqualify based on amount. This makes it accessible to many uninsured adults.[1][2] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown The program has **no specific income thresholds**. Patients report annual gross household income (before taxes, including Social Security, pensions, etc.) and household size, but approval isn't tied to Federal Poverty Level (FPL) percentages.[1][2] | Household Size | Income Threshold | Notes | |---------------|------------------|-------| | Individual | None | No limits; income verified but not restrictive[1][2] | | Couple | None | Includes all household dependents[2] | | Family of 3 | None | Report total gross income[1] | | Family of 4+ | None | Household members relying on income[2] | **Verification options**: - Authorize credit/income check (no credit score impact).[1] - Or submit proof: recent 1040 tax form, pay stubs, SS/pension/unemployment/disability letter, employer letter.[1][2][5] ## Insurance Requirements You **must not have any health insurance coverage for vaccines**. This includes: - Private health insurance. - Medicare (Parts B/D) or Medicaid. - VA, military, or other government programs covering vaccines. - Examples from the form confirm no coverage at all.[1][2][3] If you have any coverage, explore your insurer first or other programs. Medicare beneficiaries are typically ineligible.[3] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Follow these steps with your doctor **before** getting the vaccine: 1. **Talk to your healthcare provider**: Discuss if Vaxneuvance is appropriate. They prescribe it and confirm need.[5][7] 2. **Complete the enrollment form together**: - **Section 1 (Patient)**: Name, address, phone, email, DOB, gender, US resident (yes/no), insurance details (must be none), gross annual household income, household size, income verification choice.[2][7] - **Section 2 (Authorization)**: Sign declarations verifying info accuracy and inability to afford without program; authorize info sharing.[3][7] - **Section 3 (Income docs if chosen)**: Attach proof if not authorizing credit check.[2] - **Sections 4-5 (Provider)**: Provider details, vaccine name (Vaxneuvance), NDC (e.g., specific code from label), dose number, signatures.[2][7] Download form: Available via merckhelps.com (English/Spanish).[6] 3. **Review and sign**: Both patient and provider sign in black/blue pen (no stamps). Answer every question neatly.[2][7] 4. **Fax immediately**: Provider faxes **all pages** to **800-528-2551**. Include income docs if required.[2][5][7] 5. **Get approval**: Program calls provider with **confirmation number** (goal: <10 minutes).[1][2] **Important**: Do **not** administer vaccine until confirmed. New form needed per dose.[1][3] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Aimed at **10 minutes or less** for complete forms.[1][2] - **Approval notification**: Phone call to provider with confirmation number.[2][7] - **Vaccine delivery**: Provider administers approved dose; Merck replaces via **quarterly shipments** to provider's office (within 30 days of approval).[3] - **Post-administration**: Provider reports date, lot number for replacement.[3] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Vaccines for Children (VFC)**: For under 19.[4] - **State/local health departments**: Free/low-cost vaccines.[4] - **Other Merck programs**: Check MerckHelps for different needs.[4][8] - **Patient Access Network or RxAssist**: Search for pneumococcal vaccine aid.[6] - **Biosimilars/alternatives**: None listed; consider Prevnar 20 if appropriate (different manufacturer).[program details] - **Retail pharmacy programs** or sliding-scale clinics. If denied, ask reason (e.g., insurance found) and reapply after resolving.[1] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on program details as of latest available info. Eligibility, processes may change—verify with Merck at 800-293-3881 or merckhelps.com. Not medical advice; consult your doctor. Merck not liable for misuse. Program free but limited; apply early.[1][5] (Word count: 1028)

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026