BLOOMINGTON — The Monroe County Health Department has announced new guidelines for the 317 Vaccines for Adults program that will change vaccine eligibility for uninsured adults. The changes, which are effective immediately, primarily affect the coverage of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), and polio (IPV) vaccines.
New Eligibility Requirements and Costs
Under the updated guidelines, the MMR, Varicella, and IPV vaccines will only be covered for uninsured adults if they are required for school entry. Uninsured adults who do not need these vaccines for school will still be able to get vaccinated at the Monroe County Public Health Clinic, but must pay out-of-pocket. The cost will be $110 for MMR, $200 for Varicella, and $45 for IPV.
The health department noted that its off-site vaccination clinics are not equipped to take payment, so uninsured adults needing these specific vaccines for non-school purposes must visit the main Public Health Clinic.
Other Vaccines Still Covered
Other routine vaccines, such as Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), remain fully covered for uninsured adults. Tdap will continue to be available at upcoming back-to-school vaccination events.
Residents with questions about their vaccine eligibility are encouraged to call the Monroe County Public Health Clinic at 812-353-3244 or contact their regular healthcare provider.
