On Oct. 1, 1994, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) implemented the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provided free vaccine to children at participating private and public health-care provider sites of their choice.

Children who were eligible for free vaccines included those on Medicaid, those without insurance, and American Indians/Alaskan Natives. In addition, children whose insurance did not cover vaccination (i.e., who are underinsured) received vaccines through the VFC at federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics. Other children received free vaccines at public clinics under existing programs.