VFC

Nationally, COVID-19 activity is increasing from low levels. Continuing to vaccinate is important in protecting vulnerable individuals, such as infants, against the disease. Infants and children between 6 months and 23 months of age are at high risk of severe COVID-19. Children with certain medical conditions, such as asthma and congenital...

There are no changes in vaccine recommendations and availability in Philadelphia.  On Monday, January 5, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the pediatric immunization schedule, changing several routine childhood vaccines from a routine recommended category to a shared-decision-making and/or high-risk category. Despite these...

RSV activity is elevated in many areas of the country, including Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) immunization remains the most effective protection against RSV illness. A recent study showed that nirsevimab was 81% effective against RSV-associated hospitalization among infants younger than 6 months. Refer to these previous messages regarding availability and...

Prepare for Winter: Protect Your Patients and Your Vaccine Supply Take steps now to keep your vaccine supply safe and your clinic running smoothly through the winter months. Power Outages Review and update your Vaccine Management Plan to ensure all staff know what to do if there’s a power outage...

There is increasing influenza disease activity in parts of the U.S. The most recent weekly CDC influenza surveillance report shows one influenza-associated pediatric death, bringing the 2025-2026 season total to nine reported influenza-related pediatric deaths. CDC estimates that there have been at least 11,000,000 illnesses,...

Dear PhilaVax Users,The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) Immunization Program is currently undergoing its annual PhilaVax user account renewal.All users must complete the user agreement for the 2026 calendar year for continued access to PhilaVax. All agreements must be completed by February 9th, 2026. Users without...

The hepatitis B vaccine has saved millions of lives. Since its implementation in 1991, hepatitis B vaccination at birth has reduced pediatric hepatitis B infections by 99%.When discussing hepatitis B vaccination with patients, especially the hepatitis B birth dose, frame the choice clearly: the hepatitis B vaccine...

Addressing aluminum, shared decision-making, combination vaccines, & more Patients have questions about vaccines, and we’re here to support you in these discussions so you can remain a trusted source.    Our Guide to Talking Vaccines with Adults, vaccine facts webpage, and Vaccine Hesitancy and Refusal Guide are good starting points for...

As you may be aware, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met last week to vote on several vaccine recommendations. We want to ensure all providers have clear guidance on what these votes mean for VFC program operations.   Although ACIP votes on recommendations, they are...

All Philadelphia providers enrolled in the VFC Program are eligible. What is PA CARES?  The Pennsylvania Children's Access to Routine and Essential Shots (PA CARES) program is a new state-directed initiative designed to support Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers enrolled in and in good standing with the...

The vaccine distribution center will have reduced delivery capacity during the holiday season. Orders submitted during this time will take longer than usual to ship. December: Place your order by Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 12 p.m. Orders placed after this date may not ship until January...

Many countries across the world continue to experience measles outbreaks, resulting in possible travel-related exposures from settings like airports. Order free, print materials about measles vaccination to educate patients with upcoming travel plans, especially parents or caregivers of infants. Click the button below or at the...

You are invited to attend a town hall webinar hosted by the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Immunization Programs. The “Introduction to the PA CARES Program” webinar will provide important information about the new Pennsylvania Children’s Access to Routine and Essential Shots (PA CARES) Program. This webinar...

The health department has recently identified a varicella (chickenpox) outbreak in a school and is sharing clinical reminders on the diagnosis and management of varicella. Varicella is a highly contagious disease that can be serious for non-immune pregnant people, newborns, and those with weak immune...

The vaccine distribution center will have reduced delivery capacity during the holiday season. Orders submitted during this time will take longer than usual to ship. November: Place your order by Friday, November 14, 2025, at 12 p.m. Orders placed after this date may not ship until December...

On September 18-19, 2025, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend: MMRV (combined MMR + varicella) vaccine should not be given to children under 4 years old. It is recommended to administer MMR and varicella vaccines separately. Clinical Background: MMRV Vaccine The MMRV vaccine is a...

VFC providers can now order Moderna, Pfizer, & Sanofi 2025-2026 COVID-19 products for their eligible patients.Make sure that your EHR/EMR is set-up to report this year’s COVID-19 products.These are the vaccines available this year:  *Pfizer 6 mos - 4 years is no longer available.**This is a...

On February 14, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved GSK’s MenABCWY vaccine, Penmenvy, for use in individuals aged 10 through 25 years. Penmenvy (meningococcal groups A, B, C, W, and Y vaccine) is now available through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. The vaccine is...