Frequently Asked Questions: VBYG
Q. How does VBYG work?
A. VBYG works with schools and community agencies to reach youth while they are in school and eligible for free vaccine through the state's Vaccines for Children Program. If you were to pay for all necessary and/or required childhood vaccinations, it could cost as much as $900.00.
Q. What is the goal of VBYG?
A. The goal of VBYG is to assist the medical community to ensure that all youth in Rhode Island are fully immunized against vaccine preventable diseases before leaving high school.
Vaccinate Before You Graduate has four components:
- Students learn about Vaccine Preventable diseases and the importance of immunizations.
- Parents are informed regarding consent for student immunizations.
- VBYG clinicians run Immunization clinics at the school/community agency.
- Students receive incentives at every clinic to motivate and encourage participation.
Q. Who administers the vaccines?
A. VBYG contracts with The Wellness Company to provide all vaccinations that high school seniors need before graduating. Registered nurses administer the vaccines and the School Nurse Teacher is always present.
Q. Why shouldn't my teen see his/her own provider?
A. We recommend that your child see his/her own healthcare provider whenever possible. This program is intended to compliment the work of your child's regular healthcare provider.
Q. Why should my teen participate in VBYG?
- Adolescents are at high risk for serious vaccine preventable diseases.
- New vaccines are being added to the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.
- Nationally, at least 50% of adolescents are missing immunizations.
- Teens do not go for regular well-child visits.
- Rhode Island has an active immigration status.
- VBYG provides easy access to free immunizations.
- Teens begin to access their medical care.
Q. What should parents do if they want their teen to participate in VBYG?
A. Check your teen's vaccination record or check with your healthcare provider to ensure your teen has received all recommended vaccinations. If your teen does not have all the recommended vaccinations, sign up for VBYG. Your teen will receive a packet of information in school that includes consent forms. The consent forms must be completed and returned to the School Nurse Teacher.
Q. How many clinics does each school host?
A. Schools usually host up to 4 -5 clinics. Some vaccines require more than one dose, so hosting multiple vaccination clinics ensures that your teen gets all doses of all vaccines.
Q. Can my child participate in VBYG at any RI school?
A. Your teen must get the vaccines in the school where they are enrolled. Click here for a list of schools and community agencies that participate in VBYG.
Q. How will my teen's immunization records be updated?
A. VBYG staff will mail a copy of the immunization record to the healthcare provider that is identified on the consent form. In addition the school nurse teacher and the student receive copies of the immunization records from VBYG.
All students' immunization information will also be entered into KIDSNET.
Q. Who can I contact to learn more about VBYG?
A. Contact Kathy Marceau, VBYG Coordinator, at 401.222.4624 or via email at kathy.marceau@health.ri.gov. |
