North Carolina's Immunization and Vaccines for Children Grant Year 1Strengthening Vaccine-Preventable Disease Prevention and Response - The North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) is seeking federal funding to maintain and improve upon the critical work of the Section 317 and Vaccines for Children (VFC) Programs. Our project seeks not only to improve overall vaccination rates (thereby reducing vaccine preventable disease morbidity and mortality among North Carolinians), but also to create sustainable systems that support ongoing immunization efforts within the state. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges in vaccine delivery, we aim to contribute significantly to public health goals related to immunization and preparedness. The proposed plan outlines a multi-phase approach to strengthen the foundation and management of these programs under the NCIP, with a focus on improving vaccine access, equity, confidence, and public health emergency preparedness. The short-term outcomes prioritize building program infrastructure, including meeting CDC requirements, enhancing provider education and outreach, maintaining a robust Immunization Information System, and ensuring compliance with VFC policies. Intermediate outcomes emphasize increasing vaccine access through stronger partnerships with provider organizations, addressing low vaccine coverage rates in underserved populations, and bolstering vaccine confidence through targeted education and media campaigns. Long-term outcomes aim for improved vaccine equity, a more responsive immunization program, and enhanced preparedness for vaccine preventable disease outbreaks. Key activities include ongoing provider training, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and emergency response planning, ultimately driving increased provider compliance with the Section 317 and VFC programs, increased vaccine coverage rates, and a more equitable distribution of vaccines across diverse communities in North Carolina. The strategic initiatives also seek to establish a well-prepared, collaborative network of immunization stakeholders, including public and private providers to address current and future challenges in immunizations.
