Vaccines For Children (VFC)
Giving All Children a Chance to Get Their Recommended Vaccines
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program is a federal program, directed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) run Illinois' and Chicago's VFC programs. According to the CDC, VFC helps provide vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. This helps ensure that all children have a better chance of getting their recommended vaccinations on schedule. Vaccines available through the VFC Program are those recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). These vaccines protect babies, young children, and adolescents from these diseases.
ICAAP supports the development of materials to support VFC enrollment among pediatric health care providers and facilities. ICAAP coordinates annual training for both CDPH and IDPH VFC providers.
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Now Available! Vaccines for Children (VFC) Social Media Toolkit
We are pleased to introduce our Vaccines for Children (VFC) social media campaign! This campaign includes easy-to-use social media graphics with messaging to raise awareness about VFC providers, pediatric vaccine messaging to encourage vaccination uptake, and thank you messaging to thank Illinois pediatricians for keeping our kids and families safe and healthy as they grow. Simply download the zip file and start sharing to your social media platforms using the included posting guide!
Resources & Outreach Materials for
All Providers
Becoming a Vaccines for Children provider can make all the difference in your community. For children covered by Medicaid, not insured, or under insured, free access to vaccines can save lives. Whether you are enrolled as a provider or are interested in become a VFC provider, there are resources available to help you make the most of the program. Explore our VFC resources below to better determine eligibility, enhance your vaccine initiatives, and to connect with other providers.
Resources & Outreach Materials for
Chicago VFC Providers
Practicing in Chicago comes with a unique set of opportunities and challenges. This is no different for the VFC program, which is why we've gathered all Chicago-based resources in a single location. Explore below for more information on required program training, patient eligibility, and where to find updates on Chicago's VFC program. Contact CDPH's VFC program at chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org.
2023 CDPH Vaccines for Children (VFC) Training
CDPH – Chicago Department of Public Health
2023 CDPH Nurse Training
2024 CDPH VFC Training
Resources & Outreach Materials for
Illinois VFC Providers
Explore the latest updates for the VFC program in Illinois. Learn more on recordkeeping, exchanging data, identifying eligible patients, administering recommended vaccines, and guiding laws and rules for the program below. Contact the IDPH VFC program at DPH.Vaccines@illinois.gov.
Laws & Rules
- Public Act 099-0249 - Religious Exemption Amendment to School Code
- K-12 Immunization Requirements
- College Immunization Requirements
- Mercury-Free Vaccine Act
- Mercury-Free Vaccine Act Exemption Declaration (2022)
- Healthcare Employee Vaccination Code
- Illinois Guidelines for Needle Disposal
- VFC Program Manual for Illinois VFC Providers
Become a VFC Provider!
Interested in becoming a VFC provider? Contact ICAAP to assist you with enrollment today! Info@illinoisaap.com