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Vaccines For Children - VFC

The Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) is part of the DC Health’s Immunization Program. It is a federally-funded entitlement program that provides vaccines free of charge to enrolled providers that serve eligible patients. VFC helps ensure that all children have a better chance of getting their recommended vaccinations on schedule. Vaccines are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Who qualifies for VFC vaccines?

VFC vaccines are available to children 0 through 18 (under 19) who meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Eligible for Medicaid or enrolled in Medicaid
  • Uninsured
  • Underinsured (insurance coverage that does not include vaccines;  vaccines must be received at a federally qualified health center (FQHC), or 
  • Are American Indian or Alaskan Native 

What are the benefits to becoming a VFC Provider?

  • Provides necessary vaccines to uninsured and underinsured children without incurring vaccine costs
  • Enhances the services provided relative to the Early Periodic Screening and Diagnostic Testing benefit
  • Ability to generate revenue through vaccine administration fees 
  • Providers receive technical assistance to help improve vaccination rates

How can I become a VFC Provider?

You can enroll by:

  • If you have an electronic health record (EHR) system, Please visit https://dchealth.dc.gov/page/meaningful-use-mu-public-health-reporting to complete the “Meaningful Use Public Health Reporting Sign-in Form”.
  • If you do not have an EHR system, please request a provider enrollment checklist and profile form by calling the VFC program at (202) 576-9319, or please download our new provider checklist.
  • After completing and returning the new provider checklist, which lists the requirements for participation, new providers must receive a new provider enrollment site visit prior to receiving approval for enrollment in DC VFC Program

Requirements for Participation

By participating in the VFC Program, you agree to:

  • Screen all children for eligibility
  • Submit documentation to the VFC program for each vaccine dose administered
  • Follow the recommended immunization schedule established by the ACIP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Practitioners and DC law except where medically contraindicated
  • Not charge for VFC-supplied vaccine
  • Provide vaccine information materials as prescribed by law
  • Allow VFC staff access to your practice for technical assistance and program review

Provider Enrollment and Re-enrollment

VFC enrollment and renewals are all done electronically and performed once a year. The site coordinators are provided access to electronically complete required renewal forms. VFC enrollment and renewals consist of: 

  • Provider Agreement- an agreement to comply with the requirements of the VFC program to receive VFC purchased vaccine. The agreement is valid for 24 months from the original signature unless there is a new medical director. 
  • Provider profile- a patient profile estimate that captures the number of the VFC eligible children and non-VFC eligible the practice serves and allows for budgeting vaccine costs for a 12-month period.
  • Vaccine Management Plan- a site-specific plan to protect and maintain the vaccine supply routinely and during an emergency.

Already a VFC Provider?

Click here for a list of resources to keep at hand.

Contact TTY: 
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