Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) PROVIDERS
FAQs from Providers
On this page:
Why should I join VFC? How do I become a VFC Provider? Is there any financial incentive? How do Medicaid & VFC work together? What is the ACIP and where can I find the VFC Resolutions? What is the Recommended Immunization Schedule? How do I file VAERS or CMR reports? What other resources can I check (other useful links)?
Related pages:
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions from Parents Brochure: VFC for healthcare providers

1. Why should I join VFC?
   • It will enhance your ability to provide government purchased vaccine to your eligible patients and reduces your out of pocket costs.
   • You can provide all ACIP-recommended vaccines.
   • You will receive excellent customer service to address your questions.
   • It will minimize your amount of required paperwork.
   • You will be able to order vaccine is easily, usually submitting your orders electronically by fax or email.
   • You don’t have to be a Medicaid Provider. Any provider authorized to prescribe vaccines under your state law can be a VFC Provider.
   • Not convinced? Read on...

2. How do I become a VFC Provider?

   1. First, contact your State/Territory VFC Program Coordinator.
   2. Ask for a Provider Enrollment Package to be mailed to you.
   3. Complete the States Provider Enrollment form and return them as soon as possible.
   4. Prepare your office and staff for a site visit
      to go over the administrative requirements of the
      program and to ensure proper storage and handling
      of vaccines when you receive them.
   5. Let your patients know you are now a VFC Provider.

      It is no more complicated than that. In most instances, you will be processed into the program in less than two weeks.

3. Is there any financial incentive?
   • VFC allows you to charge an administrative fee to offset your costs of doing business.
   • Participating in VFC reduces your out of pocket costs because you don’t have to buy vaccine with your own money.
   • VFC will save your patients out of pocket costs because the vaccines are free.
   • Providing VFC vaccine to your patients will help build your business by providing badly needed government services to patients in need.
   • In greater detail...
       
4. How do Medicaid & VFC work together?

• A Medicaid Primer
• Medicaid State Plan Requirements
• Managed Care
• Fee Caps on Vaccine Administration
• What is a Medicaid State plan and a plan preprint?
• How can State Immunization Projects/State Medicaid agencies help you?
• What if a parent/guardian does not know whether a child is enrolled with Medicaid?
• FAQs / Other Eligibility Issues

5. What is the ACIP and where can I find the VFC Resolutions?

• What is the ACIP?
• VFC resolutions
• Adding vaccines to the VFC Program

6. What is the latest Recommended Immunization Schedule?

Recommended Childhood & Adolescent Immunization
Schedule

The Recommended Childhood & Adolescent Immunization Schedule, United States, indicates the recommended ages for routine administration of currently licensed childhood vaccines for children through age 18 years.

Any dose not given at the recommended age should be given at any subsequent visit when indicated and feasible.

Catch-up immunizations indicate age groups that warrant special effort to administer those vaccines not previously given.

Additional vaccines may be licensed and recommended during the year.

Licensed combination vaccines may be used whenever any components of the combination are indicated and the vaccine’s other components are not contraindicated. Providers should consult the manufacturers’ package inserts for detailed recommendations.

7. How do I file VAERS or CMR reports?

   Reporting Adverse Events:
   Report clinically significant adverse events that follow vaccination through the Federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at (http://vaers.hhs.gov) or call the 24 hour national toll-free hotline at 800-822-7967.

Confidential Morbidity Reporting (CMR):
Remember, please report all suspected cases of vaccine preventable diseases to your State or Local Health Department.

8. What other resources can I check (other useful links)?

National Immunization Program
Email: nipinfo@cdc.gov
Website: www.cdc.gov/nip/
Provides information about vaccines, including precautions and contraindications for immunization and vaccine shortages.

CDC Information Contact Center
1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
TTY (hearing impaired): 1-888-232-6348

This page last modified on July 27, 2006