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Contract 568312 - Champions for Health: School Based Coordinator Implementation Plan

Section 1.4: Vaccination Initiatives within Schools:

Our vaccine initiatives with schools encompass a comprehensive approach to ensure that students receive the necessary immunizations to protect their health and the health of the broader community. In this section, we will highlight three key vaccine programs: the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program, state-funded flu vaccines, and the administration of Tdap vaccines for students entering the 7th grade.

Section 1.4.1: Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program

The Vaccine for Children (VFC) program, administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stands at the forefront of our efforts to provide essential immunizations to eligible children and adolescents within the school community. This federal program is instrumental in ensuring that individuals who might otherwise face barriers to accessing immunization services can receive vaccines at no cost. Key components of our VFC program implementation include:
Age-Appropriate Vaccines: The VFC program targets specific age groups, ensuring that children and adolescents aged 18 years and younger receive vaccines tailored to their age and healthcare needs.
Uninsured and Underinsured: VFC-eligible individuals include those who are either uninsured, meaning they lack health insurance coverage, or underinsured, individuals with insurance that does not cover vaccines or has a capped vaccine benefit. Underinsured individuals may also be eligible for VFC vaccines if they receive vaccines from a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or a Rural Health Clinic (RHC).
Medicaid Enrollees: Children enrolled in Medicaid, a state-administered health insurance program for low-income individuals and families, are eligible for VFC vaccines, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive essential immunizations.
American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) Population: VFC eligibility extends to American Indian and Alaska Native children, irrespective of their insurance status, up to the age of 18, prioritizing the health of these communities.
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation Enrollees: Individuals eligible for health services through an ANCSA Corporation enrollment are also eligible for VFC vaccines, further promoting vaccine access.
Special Circumstances: In some cases, individuals with special circumstances, such as refugees, asylum seekers, or migrant farmworkers, may qualify for VFC vaccines, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of the community have access to essential immunizations.

Please refer to for a breakdown of our Vaccine for Children protocols.

Our collaboration with the VFC program is a cornerstone of our commitment to safeguarding the health of children and adolescents within our school-based clinics, reflecting our dedication to equitable vaccine access for all eligible beneficiaries.

Section 1.4.2: State-Funded Flu Vaccines

In addition to the VFC program, we recognize the critical importance of state-funded flu vaccines in our school-based initiatives. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. To mitigate the impact of the flu on our school communities, we work closely with state health authorities to administer state-funded flu vaccines to students, families, and school staff. Our approach includes:
Flu Vaccine Clinics: We organize flu vaccine clinics within schools to provide convenient access to state-funded flu vaccines. These clinics help protect the health of students and reduce the spread of influenza within the school environment.
Inclusivity: Our flu vaccine initiatives are inclusive, aiming to reach not only students but also their families and school staff. By extending our vaccination services to a broader audience, we contribute to community immunity and overall well-being.
Nasal Vaccine Option: To address the concerns of those who are afraid of needles, we offer the state-funded FluMist vaccine, which is a nasal vaccine. This alternative eliminates the use of needles, making it more accessible and less intimidating for individuals with needle phobia. We are continuously learning and refining our marketing strategies to increase the uptake of this option, as it historically has had a low participation rate, even among those with a fear of needles.
Our commitment to administering state-funded flu vaccines aligns with our mission to enhance the overall health and well-being of the school community, ensuring that students can learn and thrive in a healthy environment.

Section 1.4.3: Tdap Vaccination for 7th Grade Students

As students progress through their educational journey, specific vaccine requirements become essential to protect their health and that of their peers. One such requirement is the administration of Tdap vaccines for students heading into the 7th grade. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), all of which can have serious health consequences if contracted. Our approach to Tdap vaccination for 7th-grade students includes:
Compliance with State Regulations: We adhere to state regulations and requirements regarding Tdap vaccination for 7th-grade students, ensuring that all students meet this important immunization requirement before entering the 7th grade.
Notification and Education: We work closely with schools to notify parents and guardians about the Tdap vaccination requirement well in advance. We also provide educational materials and information to ensure that families understand the importance of this vaccine.
On-Site Clinics: To streamline the vaccination process, we offer on-site Tdap vaccination clinics within schools. This approach eliminates potential barriers to compliance and ensures that eligible students receive the vaccine conveniently.
Record Keeping: We maintain meticulous records of Tdap vaccinations, facilitating compliance reporting to state health authorities and schools. This ensures that students can seamlessly transition into the 7th grade without vaccination-related delays.
By prioritizing the administration of Tdap vaccines for 7th-grade students, we contribute to the overall health and safety of the school community, preventing the spread of preventable diseases and protecting vulnerable populations.
Incorporating these vaccine initiatives within our school-based coordinator implementation plan underscores our commitment to comprehensive healthcare access and preventive healthcare within the school community. These initiatives are integral to our mission of promoting health equity and enhancing the well-being of students, families, and school staff.
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