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The Florida Vaccines for Children Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the correct procedures for storing vaccines?

Vaccines should be stored in temperature-monitored, alarm-equipped, stand-alone refrigerators and freezers. The refrigerator units should maintain temperatures between 35° and 46°F (2° and 8°C). The storage unit should have a separate freezer compartment with a separate exterior door. The freezer compartment should maintain an average temperature of 5°F (-15°C) or colder. A combination refrigerator/freezer unit sold for home use is acceptable for vaccine storage. The Florida Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program will not approve dormitory-style refrigerators for VFC vaccine storage.

Keep a thermometer in both the refrigerator and freezer, and check the temperatures twice a day. Record the temperatures on a log mounted on the door. Keep the VFC vaccine supply separate from other clinic vaccines.

Which children are eligible for VFC vaccine?

Children from birth through 18 years of age who meet one of the following criteria:

  • Are enrolled in Medicaid (including Medipass and Medicaid HMOs).
  • Have no health insurance.
  • Have health insurance that does not cover immunizations.
  • Are American Indian or Alaskan Native.

When does the VFC Program resupply vaccines?

Private providers report vaccine usage and inventories to the VFC Program on their designated reporting schedule. The VFC Program replaces the vaccines the provider used. Providers submit the Vaccine Report Form between the first and the last day of their resupply month.

How can I make sure I have the correct amount of VFC vaccine on hand?

The vaccine replacement system works very well for most offices. Let us know if your office is experiencing rapid growth, if you are doing extra outreach clinics, or you want to have extra vaccines on hand for school physicals. Complete the Additional Information Form (Vaccine Report Form page 2), to request a specific number of doses for the next quarter. We have sufficient quantities of vaccines on hand, and the provider’s office should never be without the vaccines needed for VFC-eligible children.

What information must be included in the child's medical record for each immunization?

  • Date of vaccine administration
  • Name of the vaccine manufacturer
  • Lot number of vaccine used
  • Name, address, and title of the person who administered the vaccine
  • Date the appropriate Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) was given to and discussed with the parent or guardian
  • VIS publication date

Use the VFC Usage Worksheet to record the children's VFC eligibility status and to account for the doses administered to children.

CDC and VFC Program-Related Links