To enroll in the VFC Program, providers must:

• Be a licensed MD or DO in New Jersey authorized to administer vaccines to children 18 and under.
• Agree to comply with all VFC program requirements, including participation in site visits and required trainings.
• Have proper storage, handling, and temperature monitoring capacity in accordance with CDC, NJDOH, and manufacturer guidelines.
• Be open for vaccine deliveries at least four consecutive hours on a weekday other than Monday.
• Ensure all practitioners (PA, NP, MD, DO) and their license numbers are listed on the provider profile.

• Complete the New Provider Enrollment Package via the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS).
• For questions, contact the VFC Program: vfc@doh.nj.gov

Being a VFC provider is a sound investment in your practice and patients. Joining the VFC Program allows providers to:

• Eliminate up-front vaccine purchasing costs for eligible patients
• Charge an administrative fee to help cover operational expenses
• Keep patients in their medical home, reducing fragmentation of care
• Support public health by improving immunization access to underserves populations

Children through age 18 are VFC-eligible if they meet one or more of the following:

• Medicaid eligible (NJ FamilyCare Plan A Only)
• Uninsured
• American Indian or Alaska Native: As defined by the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603).
• Underinsured (coverage does not include vaccines or only partially covers them)

Note: Underinsured children are only eligible to receive VFC vaccines through a Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

• Eligibility must be screened and documented at each immunization visit
• Use the VFC Patient Eligibility Screening Form to assist with assessment
• Retain documentation for a minimum of 3 years after patient service.

Initial and annual training is required for key staff. The Medical Director must ensure that all personnel who receive, store, handle, or administer vaccines are:

• Trained in storage and handling procedures
• Competent with site-specific equipment
• Documented as trained annually

Training resources:

• CDC’s “You Call the Shots” online course  
• NJDOH offers annual trainings to all enrolled providers to meet educational requirements.
• Contact: vfc@doh.nj.gov

The Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP) program supports VFC providers in raising childhood and adolescent vaccination rates.

IQIP is an interactive program that consists of four visits (one in-person, and three virtual visits) taking place over a 12-month period. The purpose of IQIP is to brainstorm and identify what small, meaningful changes would benefit the facility to help increase vaccination coverage. 

During the initial in-person visit, the IQIP representative will get a comprehensive picture of current immunization workflow and practices through discussion with the office team; and will select two areas of focus for quality improvement. During the virtual 10–15-minute follow-up visits, we will discuss progress or any changes that need to be made. We will measure the results of implementing the quality improvement focus areas qualitatively and quantitatively by looking at vaccination data for childhood and adolescent populations at the beginning and conclusion of the IQIP cycle.

To participate, contact IQIP@doh.nj.gov.

Clinically significant adverse events following immunization must be reported to the Federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

More information on VAERS.