Adult Immunization Program

The adult immunization program provides seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccine to adults.  Insured persons 19 or older who live or work in Rhode Island are eligible to receive vaccinations for free at public flu clinics. Participating practices and facilities will bill the insurers for the administration of vaccines using claims information to be provided by the insurers. 

There is a limited amount of federal funding to provide seasonal flu and pneumonia vaccinations to uninsured adults through a network of community healthcare facilities who provide free vaccinations. If an uninsured Rhode Island resident is able to pay for vaccinations, practices/facilities can charge for the cost of vaccinations.

Provider Information

Enrollment

Every practice/facility/site that will store and/or administer vaccine must enroll as a vaccine provider. If a practice/facility has multiple departments at the same site, the practice/facility should coordinate the ordering process so that duplicate orders do not occur. Providers must enroll and attend training even if they are separately enrolled in the State Supplied Vaccine Program. All policies, procedures, and necessary forms will be provided at the initial training.

H1N1

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.

Ordering Vaccine

Enrolled providers may request doses of vaccine. The program covers the cost of all vaccines for eligible patients and allows for a 5% wastage margin. Providers will be expected to pay for unused vaccines beyond that amount.

Reporting

Every participating provider/facility will be accountable for doses administered and must complete and submit a monthly inventory report. This form is due at the end of the flu season. Providers are requested to give demographic information to develop a prioritized list of high-risk populations in case of a vaccine shortage.

Reimbursement

• Patient Eligibility Chart
• For Insured Individuals: Eligibility and reimburement process varies by the health plan.
  

  Blue Cross | Neighborhood | United | Medicare | Medicaid | Tufts

• For Uninsured Individuals: The Department of Health provides vaccines free of charge to providers enrolled in the State-Supplied Vaccine program. 

Out-of-state residents 

People who live out of state and work in Rhode Island must go to a Rhode Island provider to be covered by the program. Providers may purchase any remaining vaccine for out-of-state residents only after requests for in-state residents and in-state employees have been met. Providers must contact the Department of Health to be placed on a waiting list to purchase excess vaccine.