Achieving high vaccination coverage for VFC-eligible children
Almost 90% of VFC-eligible children born during 2011 through 2020 received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Efforts are needed to increase vaccination
Gaps in vaccination coverage between VFC-eligible and non-VFC-eligible children show the need for improvement.
Reaching more children: When the VFC legislation was passed 30 years ago, it was a historic step in improving the lives of children. Despite these successes, there is continued need to reach children who lack insurance and children in families with lower incomes. Healthcare providers that serve VFC-eligible children are critical to the VFC program, providing children easy access to vaccination services.
There are still opportunities to increase vaccination coverage (the proportion of children vaccinated) with all recommended vaccines for VFC-eligible children. Combined coverage for 7 selected vaccines (the “combined 7-vaccine series”) was just over 61% for VFC-eligible children born in 2020. For individual vaccines, uptake was highest (around 90%) for first doses of vaccines and vaccines given earlier in life. Coverage was lowest for vaccines that require multiple doses, with additional doses recommended after 12 months of age. This suggests VFC-eligible children face challenges to receiving vaccines that require multiple doses as well as in their second year of life.
Healthcare providers can help reduce missed opportunities for vaccination by giving multiple childhood vaccines at well-child visits. Robust communication efforts to reach parents of those eligible for the VFC program will help them be aware of, have confidence in, and able to access recommended vaccines for their children.
Insurance status: Vaccinations were lower among uninsured children than for children insured by Medicaid. This is consistent with data on vaccinations among uninsured adolescents and adults. Uninsured children are more likely to live below the poverty level and are less likely to have seen a healthcare provider in the past year. They are also less likely to complete vaccine series that require multiple doses. Efforts to connect children to health insurance can contribute to increased vaccinations.
Reaching low-income households: VFC-eligible children living below the poverty level had lower vaccination coverage for rotavirus vaccine and the combined 7-vaccine series compared with VFC-eligible children living at or above the poverty level. Although the VFC program provides vaccine at no cost, there may be fees for an office visit or non-vaccine services received during the visit. Healthcare costs beyond vaccination cost may be potential barriers for low-income households in addition to other barriers affecting access to vaccinations. Making sure all children have an established medical home increases the potential to be up to date with recommended vaccines.
Actions that can increase vaccination
Here are 4 steps healthcare providers can take to increase vaccination.
Gaps in vaccination coverage remain even with the many successes of the VFC program. We need to increase the number of children who complete their vaccine series and reach children living below the poverty level and those without health insurance.
Healthcare providers can
- Strengthen family-provider relationships by taking the time to answer parents’ questions.
- Educate parents about vaccine benefits.
- Use reminder-recall systems to notify parents about upcoming or missed vaccination appointments.
- Participate in the VFC program to provide vaccinations during routine appointments for those who qualify for VFC.
Encouraging routine vaccination
CDC launched Let’s RISE, or Routine Immunizations On Schedule for Everyone, in 2023 to get Americans caught up on vaccines that were missed or delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will help make sure that children and adolescents are up to date with all recommended vaccines and can help keep kids healthy, in school, and ready to learn.
Partners can
- Promote childhood vaccinations in their community.
- Assist with childhood vaccine distribution and no-cost vaccination services at private physician offices and public health clinics enrolled in the VFC program. Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Information for Awardees
Parents can
- Parents have the power to keep their children healthy. Keeping Up to Date on Recommended Childhood Vaccinations
- Learn more about vaccinations and speak with their healthcare provider about the importance of vaccinations. Your Child’s Vaccine Visit
- Learn about the VFC program and see if their child is eligible. Vaccines for Children (VFC): Information for Parents
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