Vaccines for Children Program (VFC)

The Vaccines For Children (VFC) program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay. CDC buys vaccines at a discount and distributes them to grantees—i.e., state health departments and certain local and territorial public health agencies—which in turn distribute them at no charge to those private physicians' offices and public health clinics registered as VFC providers. Children who are eligible* for VFC vaccines are entitled to receive those vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). More…

Inspector General's Report on Vaccines for Children

The Inspector General released a report

based on a routine assessment of the Vaccines for Children program (VFC). The assessment, conducted in April and May of 2011, included 45 providers from the five largest city and state VFC grantees. The report highlights some areas for improvement and underscores the importance of maintaining a robust public health system. General recommendations include: ensuring vaccine storage and handling in accordance with VFC requirements, enhancing processes for handling expired vaccines, improving management of vaccine inventories, and ensuring oversight requirements.

CDC and our partners are working with a sense of urgency to address these issues. CDC is incorporating the report findings and recommendations in its plan to strengthen VFC, a vital component in the United States’ successful efforts to protect US residents from vaccine preventable diseases.

In the Spotlight

Vaccines For Children Program and Storage and Handling Training Module (2/5/2013)
Training on program requirements including storage and handling of VFC vaccines

Quick resource for parents (8/27/2012)
The VFC Program helps provide vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them.

What Does the VFC Program Offer Parents?

Vaccines at no cost for eligible children through VFC-enrolled doctors. Find out if your child qualifies. VFC helps ensure that all children have a better chance of getting their recommended vaccinations on schedule and that means healthier children, families, and communities.

Quick Links for Awardees

Quick Links for Providers

Why Become a VFC Provider?

Participating in VFC reduces your out of pocket costs because you don't have to buy vaccine for your eligible patients with your own money. And, VFC will save your eligible patients money because the vaccines are provided at no cost. More…