VFC Program Updates

Maine Department of Health & Human Services sent this bulletin at 07/24/2023 10:55 AM EDT
Commissioner Lambrew letterhead

To: Maine Immunization Program Providers  

From: Maine Immunization Program  

Subject: VFC Program Updates  

Date: July 24, 2023  

 

The Maine Immunization Program would like to share some important programmatic updates for the new 2023-2024 program period (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024).  

Please find the summary that outlines changes below for the updated program requirements.

Vaccine Ordering

  • Reconciliation Requirements - Provider locations must submit their total vaccine inventory amounts (i.e., number of doses physically on hand) with each vaccine order.
  • Inventory on hand must be reconciled prior to placing an order in Immpact. 

Vaccine Coordinators 

  • Training Requirements - Any new primary or back up vaccine coordinator that is new to the role is required to complete the MIP Vaccine Coordinators Training.   
  • These trainings will be offered every 3rd Wednesday of each Month via zoom.  

*Please note, this training is separate from the VFC annual education requirement.   

 Record Retention 

  • Digital or electronic storage of records is now allowable.
  • Provider locations must continue to retain all VFC program documentation for a minimum of three years by either paper copies, digital, or electronic storage. 
  • Records must continue to be made available upon request. 

Eligibility Documentation 

  • During a VFC compliance site visit, provider sites must clearly demonstrate the patient intake process and eligibility screening. MIP will be requesting to view a total of 20 patient records.   
  • A patient list will be provided and reviewed at the time of the compliance site visit.  

COVID-19 Vaccine – Commercialization  

  • COVID-19 vaccine will be added to the VFC formulary once commercialization is finalized (anticipated dates are mid-September-October). 

 INVENTORY

  • All enrolled VFC provider locations are required to procure and maintain COVID-19 vaccine inventory for the populations they serve. 

 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 

  • A child’s eligibility criteria for VFC COVID-19 vaccine are the same as for other VFC vaccines. 

 BORROWING 

  • Borrowed COVID-19 vaccine must be repaid (dose for dose) within one month and administered to the appropriate population. 
  • Contact MIP with any borrowing questions at: ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov 

 VACCINE RESTITUTION

  • COVID-19 vaccine will not affect provider sites preventable wastage.  

 

 **Starting 7/1/2023, COVID-19 vaccine will now be included in all VFC compliance site visits.  

If you have any questions, please contact the Maine Immunization Program at (207) 287-3746 or email: ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov.