NASPA Releases Recommendations to Enhance Pharmacy Engagement in Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program
[Richmond, VA – July 25, 2024] – The National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) is pleased to announce the release of a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at increasing the engagement of pharmacies, and pharmacy teams, as providers within the CDC Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. These recommendations were developed with a diverse group of pharmacy professionals and stakeholders working over the past nine months to address the unique challenges and opportunities, including increased access, associated with integrating pharmacies into the VFC program.
The VFC program, a critical public health initiative, provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated due to an inability to pay. Expanding the involvement of pharmacies in the VFC program is essential for improving access to vaccines, especially in underserved communities.
The key recommendations outlined by the NASPA report include:
- Public Health VFC Pharmacy Immunization Program Leads: Appoint a lead/coach in each jurisdiction to support pharmacy-provider program goals.
- Funding Mechanisms: Implement grants and other funding sources to cover the costs of equipment necessary for VFC compliance, including vaccine storage units and temperature monitoring systems.
- Fair and Adequate Provider Compensation: Ensure compensation for immunization services provided by pharmacies is fair, adequate, and aligns with established evidence, such as Medicare rates.
- Alternative Vaccine Supply and Management: Investigate systems that align with provider business operations, including using providers’ commercial vaccine stock with appropriate reimbursement and purchasing terms.
- Specific NDC Product Codes: Introduce specific NDC product codes for VFC vaccines to streamline vaccine supply management.
- Simplified Enrollment Processes: Streamline enrollment for pharmacies with multiple sites and harmonize state and federal requirements to reduce administrative burdens.
- Data Exchange Technology Optimization: Support the use of data exchange technology for efficient reporting and compliance with VFC program requirements. Alternative methods to check eligibility and maintain documents, utilizing available practice processes and technology could reduce the burden on pharmacy teams.
- Robust Public Education Messaging: Enhance public knowledge about the VFC program and the role of pharmacies to improve program uptake.
NASPA Executive Vice President & CEO Krystalyn Weaver, PharmD, JD emphasized the importance of these recommendations, stating, “Pharmacists and pharmacies play a vital role in ensuring that all children have access to life-saving vaccines. By implementing these recommendations, we can significantly enhance the ability and willingness of pharmacies to serve as VFC providers, thereby improving public health outcomes across the nation.”
The full report will be released on the NASPA website soon. The project was supported through grant support provided by Merck, Pfizer, and Seqirus.
For more information, please contact NASPA at info@naspa.us.
About NASPA
The National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) is dedicated to enhancing the success of state pharmacy associations in their efforts to advance the profession of pharmacy. NASPA represents state pharmacy associations and other stakeholder organizations and promotes leadership, sharing, learning, and policy exchange among its members and pharmacy leaders nationwide.