GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) today announced the launch of the GSK Vaccines Access Program, which will provide the company's adult vaccines free of charge to eligible, low income individuals who do not have insurance coverage for vaccines. The program will cover the company's FDA-approved vaccines for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis for eligible persons ages 19 and older. The program also includes GSK's cervical cancer vaccine for women ages 19 to 25 who, due to their age are not covered under the national Vaccines for Children program, and who meet other eligibility requirements.
"Vaccines are one of the most effective ways we can prevent and fight disease, and subsequently, help drive down the cost of healthcare in the United States," said Deirdre Connelly, GSK's President North America Pharmaceuticals. "Unfortunately, vaccines are severely under-utilized by American adults. Through the introduction of the GSK Vaccines Access Program, we hope to break down one of the barriers to routine vaccination, ensuring that adults have access to these important preventative measures."
In the United States, children up through age 18 are eligible to receive free vaccines under a separate federally-funded entitlement program called Vaccines for Children (VFC), once a vaccine is approved by the FDA and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
However, a similar program does not exist for adults, and gaps in coverage, coupled with a lack of routine doctor visits, have led to lower immunization rates among Americans over the age of 18. The GSK Vaccine Access Program will help adults over the age of 18 who lack insurance and whose income is not more than 250 percent of the federal poverty level ($27,075 for a single person household or $36,425 for a couple) obtain free vaccinations.
Details of the GSK Vaccine Access Program can be found online at GSK-VAP.com or by calling 877-VACC-911 (822-2911).
GSK offers a number of other programs to help patients get access to the medicines they need. In 2009, 466,000 patients received GSK medicines worth over $507 million (WAC) through our US programs. Information on all of the programs can be found at www.gskforyou.com. The programs are: