Immunization Information for Providers

Program Enrollment

The Rhode Island State Supplied Adult and Childhood Vaccine programs provide vaccines for all ages through a number of different programs. Providers must agree to the terms and conditions of each program and enroll separately for different programs. For the childhood immunization program, providers must sign an agreement to participate. The adult immunization program provides seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccines to adults.The uninsured adult program requires a separate annual agreement and allows participants to order influenza vaccines for the uninsured population.

H1N1 Influenza

Providers who wish to administer the H1N1 influenza vaccine must register online . All providers who treat patients with chronic, underlying medical conditions are strongly encouraged to enroll so that patients who are at the highest risk of complications from H1N1 influenza can be vaccinated. There is no cost to enroll and no obligation to order vaccine.

Schedules and Guidelines

The Rhode Island Department of Health follows the recommendations and guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices.

• Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule | Summary
• Adult Immunization Schedule | Summary
• Vaccine Contraindications
• Guidelines for Vaccinating Pregnant Women

Vaccine Administration

Providers who participate in the Department of Health's Immunize for Life Program must adhere to the applicable requirements for ordering, storing, and managing vaccines and reporting vaccinations. Before administering any vaccine, the provider must give the current Vaccine Information Statement to the patient or his/her parents or guardians. This information must be documented on the patient's medical record, and in KIDSNET for children, at the time of vaccination.

Vaccine Reimbursement

Providers who participate in the Department of Health's Immunize for Life Program may submit claims for reimbursement according to individual health plan guidelines ( Blue Cross | Neighborhood | United | Medicare | Medicaid | Tufts )

Vaccine Management

Practices may receive separate shipments of vaccines from multiple programs. Practices must maintain a temperature log for all vaccines stored at their sites.

Minimum Requirements for Ordering, Handling and Storing Vaccines

In addition to regular standards and protocols, healthcare providers who receive vaccines from the Department of Health must create and maintain a vaccine disaster recovery plan (.doc | .pdf) to minimize the loss of vaccine during a power outage or other unplanned adverse event.

Reporting

Healthcare providers must document all vaccines and Vaccine Information Statements given, the location of the vaccination, and the lot and expiration date of the vaccine used. Any suspected or actual adverse reaction should be reported to the National Vaccine Adverse Reporting System