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We have received questions regarding the language in the 2026 Childhood Vaccine Program (CVP) Provider Agreement, which generally requires providers receiving federally funded vaccines to follow immunization schedules established by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). We appreciate providers taking the time to carefully review the agreement and raise thoughtful questions about alignment with current vaccine guidance.
The existing language in the CDC-issued provider agreement explicitly allows providers to depart from ACIP recommendations when those recommendations are medically inappropriate for a specific patient.
As outlined in the agreement, providers agree to follow ACIP-established immunization schedules, dosages, and contraindications included in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program unless:
- In the provider’s medical judgment, and in accordance with accepted medical practice, compliance is deemed medically inappropriate for the child; or
- The ACIP recommendations conflict with state law, including laws related to religious or other exemptions.
This provision preserves providers’ ability to exercise independent medical judgment when administering vaccines. It also allows providers to follow Washington State Department of Health (DOH) vaccine recommendations when they differ from ACIP guidance, if doing so is appropriate and consistent with accepted medical practice.
New DOH Vaccine Information Webpage
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has launched a new Vaccine Recommendations webpage in response to House Bill 2242. This resource includes:
- Current recommended immunization schedules for all age groups
- An overview of Washington’s vaccine recommendation process
- Answers to frequently asked questions
These recommendations are based on evidence from leading medical and public health organizations and outline who should receive vaccines, when, and under what conditions.
Vaccine Access Programs
- All vaccines recommended by DOH remain available at no cost for children under age 19 through Washington’s Childhood Vaccine Program (CVP) at participating providers.
- Uninsured adults age 19 and older can receive recommended vaccines at no cost through the Adult Vaccine Program (AVP).
Additional Information
For more details, visit the Immunizations and Vaccines webpage.
For questions about Washington’s immunization recommendations, contact OI@doh.wa.gov.
Dear Partners,
Thank you for your continued partnership and efforts during the 2025–2026 respiratory immunization season. We recognize the significant work many of you undertook to support communities, patients, and partners throughout a complex season.
The Office of Immunization is conducting a partner feedback process to learn from this past season and help improve planning and operations for the 2026–2027 respiratory immunization season. We are inviting you to participate in a listening session and/or complete a brief survey to share your experiences, challenges, and ideas for improvement.
Purpose
We are seeking candid feedback to better understand what worked well, what barriers were experienced, and what changes could strengthen future respiratory season planning and support.
Topics may include:
- Ordering processes and supply challenges
- RSV monoclonal antibody distribution and related impacts
- Communication, guidance, and timing of information
- Funding, cost, and operational considerations
- Coordination and partner support needs
- Tools, resources, or system improvements for future seasons
Ways to Participate
Join a Listening Session
We are hosting listening sessions to create space for hearing your concerns, discussion and solution-focused feedback.
Provider Listening Session
Date: May 14, 2026 Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m. PDT Register for the provider listening session
Local Health Jurisdiction (LHJ) Listening Session
Date: May 21, 2026 Time: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. PDT Join the LHJ listening session (no registration required)
Complete the Survey
If you are unable to attend a session—or would prefer to provide written feedback—you are also invited to complete our anonymous survey.
Complete the Survey
Survey Deadline: May 31, 2026
You are welcome to participate in both the listening session and survey.
Accessibility / Language Support
If you need language interpretation, accessibility accommodations, or other supports to participate, please let us know as soon as possible by filling out this form and we will do our best to assist.
As previously shared, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) extended the RSV monoclonal antibody administration period for infants through April 30, 2026, due to a delayed and prolonged RSV season with continued elevated activity statewide. Administration of RSV monoclonal antibodies (nirsevimab or clesrovimab) ended April 30, 2026.
Remaining inventory of nirsevimab is viable until its expiration date. Product should continue to be safely stored refrigerated between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) and can be used when administration resumes next season - do not discard or attempt to return unexpired RSV products. Once RSV products expire, they can be returned using the Online Returns Process like all other expired vaccine products. If your RSV product is not yet expired but will expire before the next respiratory season, continue to store and do not return until expired.
To protect young babies from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pregnant people are recommended to get a one-time single dose of maternal RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy. Pfizer’s RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, is currently the only approved vaccine for use during pregnancy to prevent severe RSV disease in infants.
A single dose of RSV monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab or clesrovimab) should be administered to all infants <8 months of age born during or entering their first RSV season from October through March. Nirsevimab only is recommended for babies 8-19 months at high risk entering their second RSV season. For most babies whose mothers received Abrysvo at least 14 days before the baby is born, RSV immunization is not indicated.
A provider may need to review vaccine records of the birth parent to verify if and when Abrysvo was administered during pregnancy. The WAIIS can be utilized by authorized participating providers to look up this maternal data for the purpose of making direct health care decisions for their infant patient.
Resources:
All 2025 CVP Provider Agreements in the IIS have expired as of April 30, 2026. If your facility does not yet have an approved 2026 agreement in place, you will be unable to place a vaccine order. Make sure your 2026 Provider Agreement has an "Approved" status and has not been "Returned" for updates!
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