Free MMR vaccine available for child care workers

The Department of Health is collaborating with Safeway Inc. and Albertsons Companies LLC and with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to offer free measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination for uninsured child care workers and volunteers. As of July 28, 2019, Washington state law will require staff and volunteers of licensed child care centers to be immunized against measles.

Fifteen Albertsons and Safeway pharmacies across the state will offer MMR vaccine free of charge through June 2020 to uninsured child care staff and volunteers who need it. The pharmacies will also waive the administration fee. The cost and fees will also be waived for those who are underinsured and cannot afford the vaccine.

Find the list of participating locations on the Department of Health’s website.

Child care staff and volunteers who have insurance also have options to get vaccinated. MMR vaccine for those age 19 and older is covered by most insurance companies and by Medicare and Apple Health (Medicaid). Learn more about the cost and coverage of adult vaccines. Washington also provides recommended vaccines at no cost to everyone under the age of 19.

The effort is a collaboration between Safeway and Albertsons; the Department of Health; the Department of Children, Youth, and Families; and the Washington State Pharmacy Association.