McKesson Temperature Monitors
McKesson has temporarily transitioned from electronic TagAlert temperature monitors to chemical temperature monitors in refrigerated vaccine shipments due to a shortage of TagAlerts. McKesson anticipates resuming the use of electronic TagAlert monitors in refrigerated vaccine shipments by mid- to late April.
During this transition, all refrigerated vaccine shipments will include an instructional flyer. Additionally, McKesson will exclusively use EcoFlex coolers during this period. These coolers feature vacuum insulated panels, which provide enhanced temperature stability and a longer shipment qualification time.
Ecoflex Cooler Returns
Ecoflex Coolers need to be returned to Cold Chain Technologies via UPS. DO NOT call McKesson or UPS to schedule a pickup. A prepaid UPS return label is included on the inner flap of each EcoFlex cooler. Give the box to any UPS driver or drop at a UPS drop box or facility as soon as possible. Due to their cost, the return of the cooler to Cold Chain Technologies is critical.
4-Minute Video: How do the 2026 CDC childhood immunization schedule changes affect the way you offer vaccines?
The Ask the Experts Video Series addresses the question of how the 2026 CDC childhood immunization schedule changes affect the way vaccinators offer vaccines at this time. The video explains that the shift of certain vaccines on the schedule from routine to high risk or shared clinical decision-making (SCDM) categories does not substantively change insurance coverage, the VFC program, or how you approach conversations with parents and patients about vaccines.
Important Information for Nurses, Pharmacists, and Physicians Who Vaccinate
Science Remains Unchanged: The balance of risks and benefits are unchanged for vaccines shifted from routine to SCDM by the CDC. The classification of SCDM does not require changing your strong recommendation. The routine practice of informing parents of risks and benefits before their decision to vaccinate should continue.
Out-of-Pocket Costs Remain Unchanged: HHS affirmed in its announcement that all childhood vaccines, including those moved to SCDM, remain covered with no out-of-pocket cost by private insurance plans regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or federal insurance programs such as Medicaid.
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Remains Unchanged: There has been no change to vaccines approved for use through the VFC Program, which covers all vaccines on the schedule, including SCDM.
HepB Vaccination of Newborns Is Permitted: Providing HepB vaccination at birth for optimal protection from hepatitis B remains a choice for mothers who are test-negative for hepatitis B. The schedule change does not require mothers to delay vaccination.
SCDM Does NOT Require a Medical Appointment or a Doctor: SCDM simply involves a conversation with a healthcare provider (defined by CDC as a nurse, pharmacist, or physician) about the risks and benefits of receiving a vaccine, which is routine in any vaccination conversation. In the absence of a state regulation specifically limiting the scope of practice of a nurse or pharmacist to provide vaccines classified as SCDM, a child whose parent desires an SCDM vaccine may still be vaccinated by a nurse or in a pharmacy; they do not need to be referred to a medical clinic.
SCDM Does NOT Require a Parent to Ask for Vaccination: You may recommend vaccines as usual. The decision to vaccinate has always been made by an informed parent and shifting from “routine” to “SCDM” does not change that.
Healthcare Professional Organization Recommended Childhood Schedules Are Unchanged: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have not changed their childhood vaccine recommendations.
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) Unchanged: There have been no changes to the existing liability protection and patient compensation for vaccine injuries through the VICP, including vaccines shifted to SCDM. Changes to VICP would require a substantial period of time and would require public notice and the opportunity for public comment.
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