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To: Maine Immunization Program Providers
From: Maine Immunization Program
Subject: Vaccine Borrowing Reminders
Date: October 9, 2024
The Maine Immunization Program (MIP) would like to address an increase in instances of borrowing where vaccines have been used to vaccinate non-eligible patients, resulting in improper use of Vaccines for Children (VFC) supplied vaccines. Vaccine borrowing is NOT allowed and is NEVER an acceptable replacement procedure within MIP.
It is the responsibility of the enrolled VFC provider sites to report all occurrences of borrowing that may occur in error. Undocumented borrowing and administration of MIP-supplied vaccines to an ineligible patient is considered fraud. MIP-supplied vaccines should never be used as a continuous replacement system for a provider location’s privately purchased vaccine inventory for filling the vaccine needs of out of state privately insured children, or any adults aged 19 years or older. For example: If a VFC vaccine is inadvertently given to a non-eligible adult aged 19 years or older, the provider site must contact MIP to inform of the error. An MIP borrowing form must be submitted and the vaccine must be replaced dose for dose with private stock within thirty days of the occurrence.
Moving forward, MIP will contact VFC provider sites individually, when they are not adhering to the MIP vaccine borrowing policy (see below) and reporting occurrences of administration to non-eligible patients. It is a requirement that all doses given in error are promptly reported to MIP and documented in a timely manner to adhere to MIP and federal requirements. Provider sites having three or more instances of vaccine borrowing may be subject to a probationary period.
We appreciate your attention to these guidelines and your continued dedication to maintaining compliance with MIP and federal requirements. For further information on this policy and all MIP policies, please see MIP’s Provider Policy and Procedure Manual.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at: 207-287-3746 or email: ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov
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