GSK offers free vaccines to uninsured adults

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. GlaxoSmithKline is offering its vaccines free of charge to low-income adults, the British drug maker announced Monday.

The GSK Vaccines Access Program offers adult vaccines for diseases such as hepatitis, tetanus and human papillomavirus for adults ages 19 years and older who lack health insurance coverage for vaccines.

“Vaccines are one of the most effective ways we can prevent and fight disease, and subsequently drive down the cost of health care in the United States,” GSK president for North America Pharmaceuticals Deirdre Connelly said. “Unfortunately, vaccines are severely underutilized by American adults.”

Children up through the age of 18 years are eligible to receive free vaccines under a separate program, Vaccines for Children, which receives federal funding.