Immunization Provider Memos and Communications

Please be advised that North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP)-supplied flu vaccine doses will expire on 6/30/2026. Vaccine ordering will end on 6/12/2026; however, vaccine doses may continue to be administered through the expiration date. Any flu vaccine doses remaining on 7/1/2026 must be removed from the vaccine storage unit and NCIR inventory, appropriately wasted, and returned in accordance with program guidelines.

The 2026 hurricane season begins June 1, 2026, and continues through November 30, 2026, however, inclement weather can occur throughout the year. Now is the time to prepare for events that could impact vaccine storage, such as storms, flooding, power outages, and equipment failures.

The North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) is currently in the process of transitioning to a new North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR) product and has paused all data exchange onboarding activities effective immediately.

The NCIR Readiness Checklist outlines key steps, requirements, and best practices to support user readiness for go-live. Completing these required tasks will help prevent system access issues, reduce operational risk, and ensure a smooth and successful transition to the new NCIR.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is providing guidance to clinicians on recommended hepatitis B virus (HBV) testing during pregnancy. This guidance clarifies recommended follow-up evaluation of positive initial hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) results and reinforces the need to ensure that infants exposed to hepatitis B receive appropriate prophylaxis at the time of delivery.

The North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) would like to inform you of two new updates to the coverage criteria: 1.) The 317 Vaccines for Adults (VFA) coverage criteria has been expanded to include the HPV (GARDASIL®9) vaccine for uninsured and underinsured adults, effective immediately at VFA-enrolled locations. 2.) Vaccines for Children (VFC) coverage criteria for MMRV (ProQuad®) has been expanded to include ≥ 12 months to 12 years (no longer limited to ≥ 4 years through 12 years).

The North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) is excited to share an upcoming webinar, Building Confidence Before It Matters Most: A Data-Driven Approach to Communication, hosted by our partners at Neimand Collaborative. This session will benefit providers working at the intersection of public health, communications and policy.

We are excited to launch our new NCIP ServiceNow Portal. This portal is designed for providers currently participating in the North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) or the North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR). This portal brings all your essential links and tasks together in one convenient location for easy access.

This email shares the latest updates on the new North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR), a modernized system NC DHHS is implementing to support providers and partners. Below, you’ll find an overview of current progress, what to expect next, and how to prepare.

NCIP provider recertification is now open. Providers must complete recertification online through the 2026 North Carolina VFA Provider Agreement by April 25, 2026.