How the VFC Program Enables Healthier Children

In 1993, the United States Congress passed the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA), launching the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program. Since its inception, the VFC program has helped healthcare providers deliver necessary vaccines and medicine to underinsured children around the country. By aiding communities who have limited access to insurance, healthcare and reliable vaccine availability, the VFC program has enabled healthier children and benefited communities for nearly 30 years. 

The VFC Program Provides Healthcare for Uninsured Patients

One of the primary intentions behind the VFC program is to provide vaccines for children and healthcare for uninsured or underinsured patients. Aided by government funding, the VFC program enables providers to deliver necessary vaccines, such as measles and flu shots, to patients who may otherwise not receive them. 

This provides a necessary supplement for young children who are especially vulnerable to illness. Healthcare for uninsured patients can be overlooked, though it is critical for everyone to receive various vaccines. Vaccines for children at young ages are especially effective and important, and the program was initially created to specifically target nine different vaccines:

1. diphtheria, 
2. tetanus, 
3. pertussis, 
4. polio, 
5. Haemophilus influenzae type b disease, 
6. hepatitis B, measles, 
7. mumps, and 
8. rubella. 

Providing healthcare for uninsured patients and communities enables healthier children and safer environments to learn and grow.   

The VFC Program Distributes Vaccines to Underserved Communities

Vaccine availability and reliable healthcare is notably lacking in underserved communities. Many people in these communities are also uninsured or underinsured, and do not have access to affordable healthcare or vaccines. This makes certain areas in our country particularly vulnerable, especially rural areas. Healthcare providers are looking for ways to reach these underserved populations, and deliver vaccines for children as well as necessary basic healthcare. 

With the help of the VFC program, healthcare providers are given resources and funding to provide vaccines for children in these communities. Children and patients can receive the basic care and immunizations needed to remain healthy and fight off future illness. In underserved or inaccessible communities, children and the elderly population are particularly vulnerable and rely on programs such as VFC to enable a healthier lifestyle and community. 

The VFC Program Prevents Disease and Illness Throughout Communities

Of course, the VFC program’s primary focus is to deliver vaccines for children to prevent disease and other illnesses. While the program initially focused on nine vaccines in particular, it has since expanded to enable the delivery of five additional vaccines for children in communities across the country. Young children, including babies and toddlers, are especially prone to illness and require many vaccines in their developmental years. The VFC program offers a sense of security, safety and health to children and their guardians. 

Healthier children can lead to healthier communities. Peers often expose children who attend school or participate in various activities to numerous germs and illnesses. By ensuring that children receive vaccinations for highly contagious diseases, the likelihood of them transmitting those illnesses to their homes decreases significantly.While the VFC program specifically targets children, its ramifications positively impact entire communities. 

Healthier Communities Start With Vaccines for Children

Vaccines for children are necessary for the health and safety of all. With the aid of the VFC program, doctors are able to provide healthcare for uninsured and underinsured children and families in all communities. By focusing on the youngest and most vulnerable populations, the VFC program has given families and communities a sense of security and healthier lives for nearly 30 years. 

Protecting those critical vaccines for children and patients around the country is as important as effectively delivering them to the community. High-quality, VFC-approved data loggers ensure the storage temperatures for vaccines are consistent and maintained. Control Solutions provides a variety of vaccine data loggers that are compliant with VFC requirements to ensure communities are able to receive their vaccines when they need them most.

Shop our VFC data loggers and help enable healthier generations.