Att D-VFC Project Overview

EXPLORING PHARMACY PARTICIPATION IN THE
VACCINES FOR CHILDREN (VFC) PROGRAM
Project Overview
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, launched in 1994 in response to a deadly measles epidemic, makes
childhood vaccinations more accessible for low-income, un- and underinsured children by removing cost
barriers, providing free vaccines to enrolled providers, and allowing providers to recoup some administrative
costs. There is more interest in the unique factors that affect pharmacist and pharmacy potential participation in
the VFC program. What are the implications of pharmacy participation in VFC for pharmacies, public health
agencies, VFC program recipients, and immunization systems?
What is the purpose of this project?

What is the project timeline?

The purpose of this project is to assess the key

Data collection will take place between September and

considerations related to pharmacies and the VFC

November 2014, with a report completed by March

program from the perspectives of various stakeholders, 2015.
including state immunization program VFC staff and
pharmacy representatives.

What are the project’s key features?

The project will explore the following topic areas:

Under contract to ASTHO, a consultant team from Cole

 Pharmacy participation opportunities and
challenges
 Current models of state-wide VFC programs with
pharmacy participation
 Current statutes and legislative modifications

Communications, Inc. will review existing reports and
materials and interview stakeholders.
Information from the materials review, interviews, and
online questionnaire will be compiled and presented to
ASTHO and CDC to help formulate guidance for state
and local public health officials.

required to include pharmacies in VFC
Who is sponsoring the project?
The project is a joint effort of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of
State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).
Questions?
Please contact Nicole Lezin, Lead Consultant for Cole Communications, at 831-479-1786 or [email protected]
or Ericka McGowan, Director of Infectious Disease Preparedness at ASTHO, at 571-527-3141 or
[email protected].