Who is eligible for a free tick vaccine? - briefly
Residents who meet the program’s income limit—generally at or below 200 % of the federal poverty level—and are uninsured, Medicaid, or Medicare participants qualify for a complimentary tick vaccine; the same criteria apply to children under 18.
Who is eligible for a free tick vaccine? - in detail
Eligibility for a complimentary tick vaccine is defined by age, occupational exposure, geographic residence, health status, and enrollment in qualifying public‑health programs.
Adults and children who live in regions with documented high incidence of tick‑borne diseases qualify. These regions typically include rural and suburban areas where deer, rodents, or livestock are prevalent, and where public health agencies have issued alerts about Lyme disease or other tick‑transmitted infections.
Occupational risk groups are automatically included. This category covers:
- Forestry workers, park rangers, and wildlife biologists.
- Agricultural laborers, especially those handling livestock or grazing land.
- Outdoor recreation guides, hunters, and surveyors.
- Military personnel assigned to field duties in endemic zones.
Medical criteria focus on individuals with heightened susceptibility:
- Persons with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplantation, or receiving long‑term corticosteroids.
- Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to tick bites or prior tick‑borne infections.
- Individuals with chronic skin conditions that increase tick attachment risk.
Public‑assistance recipients are also eligible. Eligibility extends to:
- Residents enrolled in Medicaid or other government‑funded health plans.
- Uninsured individuals who qualify for state‑run vaccination clinics.
- Participants in federally funded preventive health programs targeting vector‑borne diseases.
Documentation required to confirm eligibility typically includes:
- Proof of residence in an endemic area (utility bill, lease agreement, or official address verification).
- Employment verification for high‑risk occupations (payroll records, employer letter, or professional license).
- Medical records indicating immunocompromised status or prior tick‑borne disease, when applicable.
- Proof of enrollment in a qualifying health insurance or assistance program (insurance card, eligibility notice).
Exceptions apply to individuals who have already received a full course of the tick vaccine series within the past five years; they are not eligible for an additional free dose unless a booster is medically indicated.
Eligibility determinations are made by local health departments or designated vaccination sites. Applicants must present the required documentation at the point of service, after which the vaccine is administered at no cost.