Immunizations

Immunizations appropriate for the child's age and health history are required by the Healthy Kids program. The Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule is updated annually, as approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

A Program for Illinois Physicians who are interested in providing vaccines 'free of charge' for eligible Illinois children ages birth through eighteen years is available. For information regarding this free vaccine program, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 217-785-1455 or 800-526-4372.

• It will enhance your ability to provide government purchased vaccine to your eligible patients, and reduces your out-of-pocket costs.

• You can provide all ACIP-recommended vaccines

• You will receive excellent customer service to address your questions

• It will minimize your amount of required paperwork

• You will be able to order vaccine easily, usually submitting your orders electronically by fax or E-mail

• You don't have to be a Medicaid Provider. Any provider authorized to prescribe vaccines under your state law can be a VFC Provider.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccine for Children's Program
• American Academy of Pediatrics Vaccine information, including the current recommended immunization schedule
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ACIP General Recommendations on Immunization
• Illinois Department of Public Health, Tracking Our Toddler's Shots, The Illinois Immunization Information System