Immunizations

Nurses at the health department provide immunizations for people of all ages; assess records for families, schools and day cares for immunization status; and educate the public about the importance of immunizations in preventing disease.

Standard immunizations will be available at Lewis and Clark Public Health by appointment. Please call 457-8900 to schedule an appointment.

We offer vaccines for all age groups, health conditions, etc.

Federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program

The federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers vaccines at no cost for children under the age of 19 who meet at least one of the following criteria:

The child is eligible for Medicaid;
The child has no health insurance coverage;
The child is American Indian (as defined by the Indian Health Care Improvement Act); or
The child has insurance, but it doesn't cover vaccinations.

Children whose health insurance covers the cost of immunizations aren’t eligible for VFC vaccine, even if coverage isn’t available because a deductible hasn’t been met.

VFC vaccines can be administered by any enrolled program provider. There is usually a fee for the administration of each dose. Ask your child’s health-care provider for more information or contact an immunization nurse at the public health department, 457-8900.

Children under 19 who have no insurance may also be eligible for low- or no-cost insurance through the Healthy Montana Kids Program. For more information, call toll-free 1-877-543-7669.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive any vaccination.

Paying for Immunizations

All Health Insurance Marketplace plans and most other private insurance plans must cover common vaccines without charging a copayment or coinsurance when vaccinations are given by an in-network provider. This is true even for patients who have not met a yearly deductible. Doses, recommended ages, and recommended populations for these vaccines vary. Call the Immunization Program at 406-457-8900.

We do not bill out-of-network insurance companies for vaccines administered. To save costs, before making an appointment with Lewis and Clark Public Health, please contact your insurance company to find an in-network provider.

School and Childcare Immunization Requirements

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive any vaccination. Please bring your children's vaccination records with you to the public health department when you come in for back-to-school shots. Your health-care provider can fax a copy to our Immunization Program at 406-457-8997.

Montana Childcare Immunization requirements:

Montana Vaccine Requirements for Child Care Attendance (mt.gov)

Montana School age immunization requirements:

Vaccines Required for School Attendance, Preschool -12th Grade (mt.gov)