Dear Local Health Departments,
In response to the increase in measles cases across the state, the North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) has expanded access to MMR vaccine for local health departments (LHD) enrolled in NCIP. This eligibility expansion allows 317 VFA–funded MMR to be administered for measles post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for adults and 317 pediatric-funded MMR for pediatric patients, regardless of insurance status. Please see the most up to date NCIP coverage criteria for details.
LHDs should prioritize utilizing VFC and privately purchased vaccines, when possible, as 317 supply is limited due to funding. Reserving 317 doses for situations where other options are unavailable helps maximize this funding.
For detailed guidance on measles post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), including eligibility, dosing, timing, and contraindications, refer to the Measles Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for Non-Symptomatic Susceptible Contacts (PDF).
MMR PEP Ordering Instructions
Adults doses
- LHDs can utilize existing 317 VFA MMR stock for adult patients (19 years and older) when post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is indicated.
- If additional doses of 317 VFA doses are needed for PEP, place an order through the 317 MMR PEP Request Form.
- 317 VFA vaccines may be stored in the same unit, provided they are labeled and physically separated from VFC, private, and 317 pediatric vaccines.
Pediatric doses
- LHDs can utilize the 317 MMR PEP Request Form to order 317 pediatric MMR vaccines for pediatric patients (6 months – 18 years of age) when post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is indicated.
- 317 pediatric vaccines may be stored in the same unit, provided they are labeled and physically separated from VFC, private, and 317 VFA vaccines.
Inventory management
- While borrowing 317 vaccines is not permitted, if there’s an immediate need and borrowing occurs, please complete the borrowing and replacement form and documentation in NCIR within 30 days.
- Due to CDC vaccine purchasing contracts, 317 VFA vaccines are not interchangeable with 317 pediatric vaccines.
- As with 317 VFA vaccines, providers must update the funding code for 317 pediatric vaccines in NCIR to “V” upon receipt. If the vaccine needs to be separated from an existing lot number, please contact the NCIP Help Desk for assistance.
- Following storage/handling best practices, use labels on the container or bin inside the storage unit. If possible, color-code labels to clearly identify the vaccine and the funding source. Store these vaccines on a different shelf from routine MMR vaccines.
How to contact us:
For assistance, please contact the NCIP Help Desk by phone at 1.877.USE.NCIR (1-877-873-6247) or by email.
For additional resources, visit our Health Care Provider Measles webpage.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and dedication to improving immunization outcomes in North Carolina.
In Health,
NC Department of Health and Human Services