Do pediatricians recommend vaccines to make a profit?
Typically no. In fact, they often lose money.
Clinicans are paid for vaccines in two ways:
- a small administration fee for giving the shot and counseling families ($7-$28, depending on insurance type and state), and
- Reimbursement for the vaccine, which covers the cost of purchasing it ($20-$300+).
Many clinics report being reimbursed at or below what they paid, and vaccines are among the least profitable services clinicians provide. Nearly 1 in 4 pediatricians have considered stopping vaccine delivery due to financial strain threatening their practice (not due to doubts about vaccine safety or science).
Some insurance companies offer quality-of-care bonuses, that are based on many measures of care (not just giving vaccines) like developmental screenings, management of chronic diseases, and maintaining patient satisfaction. Typicaly, these bonuses are a few hundred to a few thousand dollars total.
Recent statements by federal officials and a formal investigation launched by the Texas Attorney General have muddied the waters, eroding trust in physicians and putting children’s health at risk.
The Center for Unbiased Science and Health recently published a White Paper discussing the topic.