Medicare does not cover Stamaril, but you may have other ways to pay for it

Stamaril is a yellow fever vaccine. Medicare Part B does not pay for it, and Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) does not cover it either. This is because yellow fever vaccine is not on the list of vaccines that Medicare covers for older adults. However, you have options: some state health departments offer it free or low-cost, some travel clinics charge a flat fee, and some pharmacies that give vaccines may offer discounts if you ask.

The reason Medicare does not cover Stamaril is that yellow fever vaccine is mainly given to people traveling to countries where the disease is present. Medicare's vaccine coverage focuses on diseases that affect older adults in the United States, such as flu, pneumonia, and shingles. If you need yellow fever protection for travel, you will need to pay out of pocket or find a program that covers travel vaccines.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B and Part D do not cover Stamaril or any yellow fever vaccine.
  • State health departments sometimes offer yellow fever vaccines free or at reduced cost, especially if you are traveling for work or have limited income.
  • Travel clinics and some pharmacies charge between $100 and $200 for the vaccine and administration, and prices vary by location.
  • Ask your doctor or the clinic where you plan to get vaccinated whether they offer sliding-scale fees or discounts for seniors.
  • If you have supplemental insurance (Medigap) or a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents to see whether it covers travel vaccines, though most do not.

Where to get yellow fever vaccine if Medicare does not cover it

Your first step is to call your state health department's immunization program. Many states offer yellow fever vaccines free or at low cost, especially if you are traveling for work, visiting family in an endemic country, or have income below a certain level. You can find your state health department by searching "[your state] health department yellow fever vaccine" or by calling 211, which connects you to local health and human services.

Travel clinics are another option. These are medical offices that specialize in vaccines and medicines for people traveling abroad. They typically charge $100 to $200 for the vaccine and the shot, though prices vary. Some travel clinics are part of larger hospital systems and may offer discounts if you are uninsured or on a fixed income. Call ahead and ask whether they have a sliding scale or senior discount.

Some pharmacy chains that offer vaccines, such as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, may carry Stamaril or be able to order it. Call your local pharmacy and ask the pharmacist whether they stock it and what the total cost would be. A few pharmacies offer discounts for seniors or uninsured patients if you ask directly.

What to ask your doctor before getting yellow fever vaccine

Before you pay for Stamaril out of pocket, talk to your primary care doctor. Some doctors have vaccine samples on hand or know of low-cost clinics in your area. Your doctor can also check whether yellow fever vaccine is safe for you — it is a live vaccine, which means some people with certain health conditions or who take certain medicines should not receive it.

Tell your doctor about any medicines you take, especially blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or steroids. Also mention any allergies you have, particularly to eggs or gelatin, because Stamaril is grown in eggs. Your doctor can tell you whether the vaccine is right for you and may know of programs that cover it in your area.

Checking your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your plan may cover some vaccines that Original Medicare does not. Open your plan's summary of benefits or call the plan's customer service number and ask specifically whether yellow fever vaccine is covered. Most Medicare Advantage plans follow Medicare's vaccine list, but some offer extra coverage, so it is worth asking.

If you have a Medigap policy (supplemental insurance), it does not cover vaccines. Medigap helps pay for costs that Original Medicare does not cover — such as copays and deductibles — but it does not add new benefits like vaccine coverage.

How much yellow fever vaccine costs without insurance

The cost of Stamaril varies depending on where you get it. At a travel clinic, expect to pay $100 to $200 total, which usually includes both the vaccine and the injection. At a pharmacy, the vaccine itself may cost $80 to $150, and the administration fee (the charge for giving the shot) is usually $15 to $30 more. State health departments typically charge $0 to $50 if you meet their income or travel requirements.

Before you schedule an appointment, call at least two places and ask for the total cost. Some clinics quote only the vaccine price and add the administration fee later, so make sure you know the full amount you will owe. If the cost is more than you can afford, ask whether the clinic offers a payment plan or whether you can get the vaccine at a state health department instead.

When you need yellow fever vaccine and travel timing

Yellow fever vaccine takes about 10 days to become fully effective, so plan ahead if you are traveling. You need the vaccine at least 10 days before you leave the country. Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will let you enter — this proof comes on an official yellow card that the clinic gives you when you get the shot. Without that card, you may be turned away at the border or quarantined.

If you are traveling soon and have not yet been vaccinated, call a travel clinic or your doctor right away. They can tell you whether you have time to get the vaccine before your trip and what documents you will need to bring with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get yellow fever vaccine at my regular doctor's office?

Some primary care doctors give yellow fever vaccine, but not all. Call your doctor's office and ask whether they have Stamaril in stock or can order it. If they do not, they can refer you to a travel clinic or tell you where to go. Your doctor's office may charge less than a travel clinic because they do not specialize in travel medicine.

What if I had yellow fever vaccine years ago — do I need another one?

One dose of yellow fever vaccine usually protects you for life. If you got it more than 10 years ago, most countries still accept your old vaccination card. However, some countries require a booster dose if your last shot was more than 10 years ago. Check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting, or ask a travel clinic whether you need a booster.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Stamaril?

Stamaril is the only yellow fever vaccine available in the United States, so there is no alternative brand. However, you can reduce your cost by getting it at a state health department instead of a travel clinic, or by asking your doctor whether they can order it at a lower price.

What happens if I cannot afford the vaccine and need to travel?

Contact your state health department's immunization program — many offer free or reduced-cost vaccines based on income. You can also ask the country you are visiting whether the vaccine is truly required or whether there are exceptions. Some countries require it only if you are coming from certain other countries. A travel clinic can help you understand the actual requirements.

Does my Medigap plan cover yellow fever vaccine?

No. Medigap policies do not cover vaccines. They help pay for costs that Original Medicare does not cover, but they do not add new benefits. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call your plan to ask, because some Medicare Advantage plans do cover vaccines that Original Medicare does not.