Within the framework of our school-based clinic initiative, the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program plays a crucial role in ensuring that eligible children and adolescents receive essential immunizations. The VFC program, administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children who might not otherwise have access to vaccination services. In this section, we will delve into our VFC partner processes, highlighting our collaboration with healthcare providers, eligibility criteria, and the steps we take to ensure that vaccines are administered effectively and equitably to safeguard the health of our community's youth
Section 1.3.1: Overview of the Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program
The Vaccine for Children (VFC) program, a initiative administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), plays an essential role in our commitment to safeguarding the health of children and adolescents within our community. This federal program provides vaccines at no cost to eligible individuals who might otherwise face barriers to accessing immunization services. The VFC program targets specific age groups and circumstances, ensuring that children and adolescents receive the vaccines they need to protect against a range of preventable diseases. In this section, we will provide an in-depth overview of the VFC program, elucidating its significance in our school-based clinic efforts and our unwavering dedication to equitable vaccine access for all eligible beneficiaries.
Section 1.3.2: VFC Eligibility Criteria
The Vaccine for Children (VFC) program serves as a vital safety net, ensuring that eligible individuals, primarily children and adolescents, have access to essential vaccines at no cost. The VFC program follows specific eligibility criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine who qualifies for VFC vaccines. These eligibility criteria are designed to prioritize the most vulnerable populations and target age groups to protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases. The key eligibility criteria for VFC vaccines include:
Age Criteria: The primary focus of the VFC program is on children and adolescents aged 18 years and younger. This age group includes infants, toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers. Uninsured or Underinsured: VFC-eligible individuals must be either uninsured (lack health insurance coverage) or underinsured (have insurance that does not cover vaccines, or insurance with 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 who are enrolled in Medicaid, a state-administered health insurance program for low-income individuals and families, are eligible for VFC vaccines. American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) Population: VFC eligibility extends to American Indian and Alaska Native children, regardless of their insurance status, up to the age of 18. Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation Enrollees: Individuals who are eligible for health services through an ANCSA Corporation enrollment are also eligible for VFC vaccines. Special Circumstances: In some cases, individuals with special circumstances may qualify for VFC vaccines. These circumstances include being a refugee, an asylum seeker, or a migrant farmworker. Section 1.3.3: CFH VFC Vaccine Administration Protocols
Here, you will find a step-by-step breakdown of the entire process, including detailed instructions and figures, to help streamline the coordination and execution of VFC (Vaccines for Children) clinics. Each figure provides a visual representation of specific workflow stages, while the accompanying instructions offer clarity and guidance at every step of the way. Whether you are a member of the School-Based team or a coordinator, this guide will help ensure smooth planning, efficient communication, and successful vaccination events for school-based partners.
Section 1.3.3.1: Work Flows
Step 1: School Makes VFC Clinic Request
Figure One: Flu and VFC Clinic Event Process
Figure One: School-Based Vaccine Clinic Workflow
Step 1: Interest Form Submission School-based partners complete our Vaccine Clinic Interest Form. They have three options to choose from: Offering flu vaccines only. Offering VFC vaccines only. Offering both flu and VFC vaccines. Step 2: Follow-Up for Flu Vaccines For those interested in flu vaccines only: Our School Events Coordinator initiates the regular scheduling process. Step 3: VFC Vaccine Interest For those interested in VFC vaccines or both: A disclaimer informs them that the approval process may take up to 6 weeks. Planning for the event should be two months in advance. Step 4: Completion of VFC Pathway Once the Point of Contact completes the Flu or the VFC pathway, the next steps are: Schedule a planning meeting with: The CFH School-Based Team. The County School Workforce Grant Public Health Nurses. This meeting is to review needs and set event dates.
Step 2: Initial Planning Meeting: Assessment Report Retrieval
Figure 2: VFC Vaccine Request Workflow - Part 1: Assessment Report Collection
Figure Two: VFC Vaccine Request Workflow
Step 1: Interest Form Submission School-based partner completes the Vaccine Clinic Interest Form. Selects "VFC vaccines" as an option. Step 2: Automatic Transfer Request automatically goes to the School Event Coordinator's (SEC) VFC Clinic Tracking Sheet. SEC and the Clinical School Nurse Coordinator (CSNS) receive email notifications about the new request. SEC contacts the point of contact to schedule a planning meeting. The outreach email includes the SCNC, Director of Community Health, and School Workforce Grant Public Health Nurses. SEC sets a date for the planning meeting. SEC sends a Zoom link to all involved parties. Step 6: Initial Planning Meeting Setting expectations for a VFC clinic. Assessing the school's vaccination needs. Step 7: SQRL Software Discussion Discuss whether the school uses SQRL software for vaccination data tracking. If yes, inquire about sharing an assessment report with Champions for Health. Step 8: Non-SQRL Tracking Process Explain the process if the school does not use SQRL. Inquire if they have an alternative system and if they can submit a report to Champions for Health. Step 9: Involvement of COR Team and VFC Representatives If the school can't submit a report, include the COR team (Lindsay, April, Jacqueline, Jennifer), and VFC representatives (Melissa and Mary) for guidance. Step 10: Clinic Date Confirmation Emphasize that a clinic date should not be confirmed until Champions for Health receives an assessment report from the school.
Step 3: 2nd Planning Meeting: Assessment Report Review
Figure 3: VFC Vaccine Request Workflow - Part 2: Vaccine Assessment and Planning Meeting Workflow
Figure Three: VFC Vaccine Request Workflow - Part 2: Vaccine Assessment and Planning Meeting Workflow
Step 1: Assessment Report Reception Champions for Health receives the vaccine assessment report from the school. Either the Clinical School Nurse Coordinator (CSNC) or the Director of Community Health (DHC) initiates the next steps. Step 2: Scheduling the 2nd Planning Meeting CSNC or DHC reaches out to the involved parties to schedule the 2nd planning meeting. Once the date is confirmed, a calendar invite and Zoom link are sent. Step 3: Topics of Discussion During the 2nd planning meeting, the following topics are discussed: Review of the vaccine assessment report. Discussion of various clinic format options. Explanation of the consent form process. Identification of potential clinic dates 2 months from the meeting date. Review of Vaccine Assessment Report The group examines the report, focusing on: The total number of students missing required vaccines. The number of doses required for each vaccine. For example, identifying specific vaccine shortfalls, such as missing TDAP vaccines. Discussion of when the school would prefer the clinic: Pros and cons are considered to determine the ideal clinic structure. Clarification that all students need a signed consent form from their guardian. Requirement for copies of consent forms at least three days before the clinic date. Concurrent review of student vaccine eligibility into CAIR2 by the SEC. Discussion of outreach strategies, with further conversations planned for the next planning meeting, pending VFC approval. Setting Potential Clinic Dates Identify potential clinic dates 2 months in advance. This timeline allows for VFC program requirements, vaccine approval, and guardian outreach. Reiterate that the clinic is not confirmed until VFC approves both the site and vaccine needs. Schedule a future planning meeting upon receiving VFC's decision. Meeting Minutes and Documentation CSNC or DHC sends meeting minutes to the group. Uploads the minutes onto the VFC Clinic Tracking Sheet.
Step 4: VFC Program Approval
Figure 4: VFC Vaccine Request Workflow - Part 3: VFC Approval
Figure Four: VFC Vaccine Request Workflow - Part 3: VFC Approval
Step 1: Review Vaccine Assessment Report School-based team reviews the vaccine assessment report with the school administration during the 2nd planning meeting. Step 2: Completion of VFC School Log Form CSNC completes the VFC School Log Form with the following fields: Attachment of the school's assessment report. Summarization report for VFCC (work in progress). Step 3: VFCC Notification VFCC and DHC receive an email notification through Smartsheet about the new request. Step 4: VFCC Review and Order Placement VFCC opens the VFC School Log Sheet to review the request. If questions arise, VFCC contacts CSNC or DHC for clarification. If all information is complete, VFCC goes to MyVFCVaccines.org to place the order for requested vaccines. MyVFCVaccines sends an email notification to VFCC, DHC, and CAIR2 Manager upon order placement. Step 5: Updating VFC School Log VFCC updates the VFC School Log Column, "Date VFC Vaccines Were Ordered on MyVFCVaccines," with the correct date. VFCC sends an email to VFC representatives including: Notice of a new school request and completion of steps 1-3. Sharing the Vaccine Assessment Report, Summary Report, and vaccine placement date in MyVFCVaccines. Providing the Smartsheet link for review. Including the School-Based team, School WorkForce Grant Public Health Nurses, and the contract COR team for awareness. Step 6: Await VFC Approval VFCC waits for approval from VFC for both the vaccine order and the site. Step 7: Chart Approval Date Once approval is received from VFC, VFCC charts the date of submission on the VFC School Log Sheet. The sheet automatically sends a notification to the Champions for Health School-Based team about approval. Step 8: School Notification CSNC reaches out to the approved school to share the approval news and schedule the next planning meeting.
Step 5: 3rd Planning Meeting: Confirming Clinic Details and Preparations
Figure Five: Confirming Clinic Details and Preparations
Step 1: Approval from VFC Representatives Champions for Health has received approval from the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program representatives to host the clinic. Step 2: Alerting the Approved School The Clinical School Nurse Coordinator (CSNC) informs the approved school about the change in status. CSNC schedules the third planning meeting with the school. Step 3: Sending Meeting Invitations Once the date is confirmed for the planning meeting, CSNC or DHC sends calendar invites and Zoom links to all involved parties. Step 4: Goal of the Meeting Confirm a specific date from the potential dates identified in the 2nd planning meeting. Determine the clinic layout (afterschool, during school hours, or hybrid). Discuss pros and cons of each layout to select the most suitable format. Step 5: Consent Form Process and Engagement Strategies Discussion of the consent form process and strategies to increase engagement. Overview of how consent forms are shared electronically with the school nurse. Strategies to improve consent form return rates, including: Public health nurses calling guardians to remind them. Offering incentives permissible by the school district for returning forms. Step 6: Confirming Logistical Details SEC works with school administration to confirm logistical details, including: Step 7: Clinic Details Confirmation By the end of the meeting, there should be a clear understanding of: The confirmed clinic date. The chosen clinic format. Scheduling a check-in meeting to review progress. Step 8: Sending Necessary Documents After the meeting, SEC sends consent forms and Vaccine Information Sheets (VIS) electronically. SEC collaborates with the Immunization Marketing Consultant to submit a clinic flyer for approval and distribution. Step 9: Updating VFC School Log CSNC updates the VFC School Log Sheet by charting the confirmed date of the clinic.
Step 6: 4th Planning Meeting: Clinic Check In
Section 1.3.4: Equitable Distribution and Outreach
At our immunization program, we are deeply committed to the principles of equity and inclusivity in vaccine distribution and outreach. Our mission is not only to provide essential vaccines to the community but also to ensure that these life-saving interventions reach every individual, especially those in underserved and vulnerable populations. Our commitment to equitable vaccine distribution and outreach is guided by the following key principles:
Prioritizing Underserved Communities: We prioritize reaching underserved communities, including those with limited access to healthcare services, marginalized populations, and individuals facing socioeconomic barriers. Our goal is to bridge the gap in vaccination coverage and reduce health disparities. Culturally Competent Outreach: We recognize the importance of cultural competence in our outreach efforts. Our team is trained to engage with diverse communities respectfully and effectively, acknowledging cultural beliefs and practices that may influence vaccination decisions. Language Accessibility: We are dedicated to breaking language barriers by offering vaccination information and services in multiple languages to accommodate the linguistic diversity of our community. Language should never be a barrier to accessing vaccines. Mobile Clinics: We employ mobile vaccination clinics to bring vaccines directly to communities in need. These clinics are strategically positioned to increase accessibility, particularly in rural or remote areas. Vaccine Access for All Ages: While our primary focus is on pediatric vaccinations through the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program, we also extend our services to eligible adults to ensure comprehensive vaccine coverage. Our commitment to equitable distribution and outreach is not just a goal but a guiding principle that informs every aspect of our immunization program. By prioritizing underserved populations, adopting culturally sensitive practices, forging strong community partnerships, and employing data-driven strategies, we aim to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the vaccines they need to protect themselves and their loved ones. In the following sections, we will delve into the specific strategies and initiatives that enable us to deliver on this commitment effectively.
