Immunization Provider Memos and Communications

This communication includes three important updates: Registration for the Measles Provider Webinar, the McKesson temperature monitoring device change, and an invitation to the 2nd North Carolina HPV Vaccination Stakeholder Meeting.

The North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) is expanding 317 VFA coverage criteria. Please review the updates below. Eligibility changes are effective immediately.

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) will begin a system update on February 13, 2026. As part of this update, the email address and fax number of VAERS will change. The email address info@vaers.org will no longer be monitored, and messages sent will not receive a response.

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.

Due to extreme weather conditions, Mckesson is temporarily holding VFC and 317 VFA orders for impacted regions of the state. Shipping will resume once conditions improve.

North Carolina is experiencing an increase in measles cases in the western part of the state. In light of this, we have attached an important memo from Dr. Zack Moore, State Epidemiologist. The memo outlines updated NC DHHS public health guidance on measles prevention, including recommendations for early MMR vaccination for infants in areas where transmission is occurring.

As we begin the 2026 calendar year, the North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) extends its sincere appreciation for your continued partnership and commitment to improving immunization outcomes across North Carolina. This communication provides important program and vaccine updates. Please read this message in its entirety to stay informed.

We want to provide you with a few updates on new respiratory health resources available to you. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting an increase in flu activity and flu-related deaths. You can help North Carolinians defend themselves against serious illness from flu, COVID and RSV by sharing our new bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit. We are also excited to excited to announce the launch of the new Respiratory Vaccine Dashboard.This interactive dashboard provides timely, transparent data on COVID-19, flu and RSV immunization coverage across North Carolina. Designed for use by both the public and professionals, the dashboard offers valuable insights to help monitor and respond to respiratory immunization trends.

Yesterday, on December 16, 2025, the acting CDC director signed off on the ACIP recommendation to move to shared clinical decision making for Hepatitis B vaccination in children whose mothers tested negative during pregnancy. At this time, no impacts to vaccine availability or coverage are anticipated for VFC providers.

Today the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend that parents discuss benefits and risks with a health care provider when deciding if or when to give the hepatitis B vaccine to infants born to mothers who are not known to be infected with hepatitis B, and suggested to administer the initial dose no earlier than two months of age if not given at birth.