Due to some changes in the Michigan Department of Community Health's (MDCH) funding for the current fiscal year and the slow uptake of several vaccines, Michigan's Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) program is able to expand its 317 coverage to offer the following:

1. MCV4 (Menactra) vaccine can now be administered to all VFC-eligible clients 11 through 18 years of age INCLUDING the underinsured seen in private provider offices. Private providers will no longer need to refer children to a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Rural Health Center (RHC) or the health department for MCV4 vaccine and providers will no longer have to follow the priority groups. All VFC-eligible clients, 11 through 18 years of age, who wish to be vaccinated against this disease may receive the vaccine.
2. HPV4 (human papillomavirus) vaccine can now be administered to all VFC-eligible females 9 through 18 years of age INCLUDING the underinsured seen in private provider offices. Private providers will no longer need to refer underinsured clients to an FQHC, RHC or the health department for HPV4 vaccine.
3. Hepatitis A vaccine will now be available for all children over 1 year of age who are VFC-eligible clients, (including the underinsureds) seen in ALL provider offices. This will eliminate the previous policies of administering vaccine only to those born after 01/01/2004, screening for high risk criteria, and the need to refer clients to an FQHC, RHC, Migrant Health Center or the health department.

MDCH will make every effort to maintain and support the funding to continue to offer these vaccines to these expanded populations. These changes are effective June 1, 2007. The 2007 edition of the VFC Resource Book will be updated to reflect these changes.

We are very pleased to have the opportunity to remove barriers to allow even more of Michigan's children to be vaccinated in their medical home.

For more information, contact Terri Adams RN, BSN, VFC Coordinator, Division of Immunization, Michigan Department of Community Health. Terri can be reached at AdamsT2@michigan.gov or 517-335-9646.