Click Here to Download Memo (PDF)
The purpose of this memo is to provide important details regarding the upcoming holiday vaccine shipping schedule for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and the 317 Vaccines for Adults (317 VFA) programs.
Providers should assess their vaccine needs and ability to store vaccine safely through January 2026, and then submit orders early before limited delivery occurs. To prevent shortages, providers should maintain a minimum of 4 weeks of inventory in case shipping delays occur.
November 2025 Ordering and Shipping
- NCIP will accept vaccine orders throughout the month of November, however, orders placed after 12pm on November 19 may not be delivered until December 1, 2025, or later.
- Providers will not receive vaccine shipments from McKesson Specialty, Merck, or Pfizer on Tuesday, November 11 and from Monday, November 24 through Friday, November 28, 2025.
- NC state government holidays in November: November 11, 27, and 28, 2025.
December 2025 Ordering and Shipping
- December orders will be accepted until 12 pm on December 12. Only orders received prior to the cutoff of December 12, 2025, will be shipped on December 15, 16, and 17. We recommend ordering enough vaccine prior to December 12 to get through January 2025.
- Providers will not receive vaccine shipments from McKesson Specialty, Merck, or Pfizer from Monday, December 22, through Friday, January 2, 2026.
- NC state government holidays in December: December 24, 25, and 26, 2025.
January 2026 Ordering and Shipping
- NCIP will resume regular order processing on Friday, January 2, 2026.
- Providers will not receive vaccine shipments from McKesson Specialty, Merck, or Pfizer on Thursday, January 1 through Friday, January 2, and Monday, January 19, 2026.
- NC state government holidays in January: January 1 and 19, 2026.
Holiday Vaccine Handling and Order Management Recommendations
Signature Release
- We strongly encourage you to cancel your signature release on file with FedEx/UPS if applicable to prevent loss of vaccine due to shipment(s) being left on your doorstep when your practice is closed.
- A signature release allows FedEx/UPS to drop off any FedEx/UPS package, including vaccine shipments, on your doorstep without obtaining a signature, regardless of your delivery or office hours.
- Due to advanced email notification with tracking information, providers are expected to make every reasonable accommodation to receive all vaccine orders. This may include staying open during lunch hours if an order is expected to be delivered or having staff available to receive until 5pm.
- If your office will be closed on any additional days before or after the holidays, please notify the NCIP Help Desk by calling 877-873-6247.
Storage Upon Arrival
- Vaccines and diluents should be unpacked and stored immediately at the recommended temperature upon delivery to avoid temperature excursions that can trigger temperature monitors in the shipping box resulting vaccine spoilage.
Spoilage Policy
- The CDC and NCIP will not replace vaccines spoiled due to temperature excursions resulting from unattended shipments.
- The CDC and NCIP Restitution Policy requires providers to replace vaccines spoiled due to negligence on a dose-for-dose basis at the private sector cost.
- Notify NCIP Help Desk if your hours of operation or shipping address have changed. Routine shipments from McKesson can take up to four business days to process before they are shipped. However, they may take longer, especially if your office does not have regular business hours (Mon – Fri 8:00am – 5:00pm).
Placing Orders During Closures
- If your practice is closed for more than four consecutive days or an extended length of time during the holidays, avoid placing orders until your practice returns to normal business hours and can receive deliveries.
How to Contact Us
The NCIP Help Desk is available to assist with vaccine orders or questions during normal business hours at 1-877-873-6247.
Thank you for continued partnership in keeping our North Carolina communities safe through the provision of vaccination services!
In Health,
NC Department of Health and Human Services