Technically Speaking: CDC Issues New Requirements for VFC Vaccine Storage
Published on in Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers
Published on in Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers
CDC’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay. VFC-eligible children are entitled to receive all vaccines recommended for them by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). CDC buys VFC vaccines at a discount and distributes them via state/local/territorial health agencies to providers who are enrolled in the VFC program.
Among other program requirements, enrolled VFC providers agree to adhere to specific guidelines for safe vaccine storage and handling. Beginning January 1, 2018, VFC storage and handling guidelines were revised to establish the following as program requirements (previously these were federal recommendations, although some areas may already have established these as state/local VFC requirements):
Important note: Along with the federal requirements noted above, providers may have agreed to additional state or local immunization program requirements as part of becoming an enrolled VFC provider. These requirements may vary between state programs. Be sure to consult with your state/local/territory immunization program for more information on how to meet specific state/local/territory VFC storage and handling requirements.
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Contributed by: Deborah Wexler, MD
Categories: Vaccine Update January 2018, Technically Speaking
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
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