Vaccines for Adults Program Overview

The Iowa Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program is operated by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS). The VFA Program aims to increase adult vaccination rates and decrease disparities in immunization coverage by providing no-cost vaccine for uninsured or underinsured adults 19 years of age and older. 

Vaccine Availability

VFA program vaccines are purchased with limited federal and state funds. The following vaccines are currently available through the program: 

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Influenza (seasonal)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Meningococcal
• Pneumococcal
• Polio
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
• Varicella (chickenpox)

VFA Eligibility

Adults 19 years of age and older who are:

• Uninsured: Has no health insurance
• Underinsured: Has insurance that does not cover vaccines (eligible only for the specific vaccine that insurance does not cover), caps prevention services (eligible after cap is reached), or does not provide first-dollar coverage for vaccines (first-dollar means coverage of ACIP recommended vaccines without cost sharing to the patient) 

VFA at Johnson County Public Health

We're using a few different strategies to try to get as many people protected against disease with crucial vaccinations, including (but not limited to):

• Offering vaccine doses to parents accompanying their children to well-child visits, oral health services, and visits with our nutritionists
• Scheduling appointments during specific office hours in our clinic dedicated to vaccinating adults
• Partnering with community-based organizations to be able to offer vaccines at local events around the county, where those seeking services can feel best supported, including:
  • Proteus
  • University of Iowa Mobile Clinic
  • Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County
  • Iowa City Catholic Worker
  • International Maternal Health Project

Helpful Resources

• Addressing Vaccine Anxiety in Adolescents and Adults (en Español)
• Vaccine Basics: How Vaccines Work
• Vaccine Basics: Frequently Asked Questions
• Adult Immunizations: Importance of Staying Up to Date with Vaccines
• Tips for Finding Vaccine Records
• Evaluating Online Health Information
• World Health Organization's Vaccine Safety Net