Hep Help

Hepatitis B vaccinations are free at San Francisco public health clinics if you are 18 and under, do not have health insurance, or the shots aren't covered by your provider. For those who do have insurance, ask your doctor for the shots -- three doses -- and call your insurer to check if immunizations are covered. Most HMOs will pay. For more information, call the San Francisco Public Health Department at 554-2830.

Paying out-of-pocket costs anywhere from $244 to $323 or more, depending on where you go, so make sure to shop around. (Most private doctors tack on administration fees, and some require hep B screening before they give shots.)

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