New Jersey Department of Health Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program

The New Jersey Department of Health operates the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, which aims to ensure that eligible children in the state have access to recommended vaccines. The program is designed to provide vaccines to children who might otherwise not be able to afford them, thereby increasing immunization rates and reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

 

Under the VFC Program, vaccines are made available to qualified healthcare providers, including public health clinics, private physicians, and community health centers. These providers administer the vaccines to eligible children at no cost, eliminating financial barriers that may prevent families from getting their children vaccinated.

 

The program covers a range of vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). These vaccines protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), and others. Immunizations are given according to the CDC's recommended immunization schedule, ensuring that children receive the necessary vaccines at the appropriate ages.

 

To be eligible for the VFC Program, children must meet certain criteria. These criteria include being Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, or an American Indian or Alaska Native.