What to know
The VFC Program provides all routine vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at no cost to participating healthcare providers.
The VFC Program Benefits Your Patients and Your Practice
Many parents can’t afford to pay for vaccines on their own. Being a VFC Program provider is a sound investment in your practice and your patients’ health. Here are some of the benefits of participating in the VFC Program:
- Reduces your up-front costs because you will not have to pay to purchase vaccines for VFC Program-eligible children.
- Enables your patients to get the vaccines they need during routine appointments at their regular office.
- Helps provide quality care to vulnerable children and adolescents.
Quick Links for Providers
- CDC Vaccine Price List
- You Call the Shots – VFC Program Training
- Filing VAERS Reports
- State & Territorial Health Department Websites
- Resources to Promote the VFC Program
- VFC Informational Flyer for Healthcare Providers
- VFC Operations Guide
- VFC Operations Guide COVID-19 Vaccine and Nirsevimab Addendum (Updated)
Enrolling in the VFC Program is a Simple Process
You don't have to be a Medicaid provider to participate in the VFC Program. Any healthcare provider (including pharmacists) authorized by their state law granting them the authority to administer vaccines by prescription, vaccine protocol, or prescribing authority can be a VFC Program provider. To enroll in the VFC Program:
- Contact your state/local/territory VFC Program coordinator to request enrollment.
- Complete and return the State Provider Enrollment forms as soon as possible.
- Prepare for a site visit to go over the program's administrative requirements and proper storage and handling of vaccines once you have completed and returned the enrollment forms.
Administration Fees for VFC Program Vaccines
VFC Program providers cannot charge their patients for any vaccines given to eligible children. However, they can charge for other fees associated with a vaccination appointment. Types of fees a provider can charge:
- A set or standard fee to administer each vaccine.
- An office visit fee.
- Fees for non-vaccine services that occur during a vaccination appointment, like an eye exam or a blood test.
If a parent or guardian cannot afford the fee (per vaccine), this fee must be removed so that they are not charged. A VFC Program provider cannot refuse vaccination for a VFC Program-eligible child due to the parent's or guardian's inability to pay for vaccine administration.
Annual Training Opportunities for VFC Program Providers
All VFC providers are required to participate in annual, comprehensive training. VFC providers should check with their state, local, or territorial immunization program regarding requirements.
CDC offers training modules and refresher test options that may fulfill these requirements.
Providers can complete one or two VFC-related modules in the You Call the Shots course series. Continuing education (CE) credit is offered for each module.
Experienced healthcare professionals familiar with VFC and federal storage and handling requirements can opt to take a refresher test to demonstrate their knowledge on these Note: No continuing education credits will be awarded for completing either refresher test.