CDC Vital Signs: VFC Program Prevents Millions of Illnesses & Saves Billions
- For three decades, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program has quietly but powerfully protected millions of American children from preventable diseases.
- Established in response to measles outbreaks in 1989-1991, the VFC program ensures that all recommended vaccines – a total of 19 different diseases – are available at no...
- “For 30 years, the Vaccines for Children program has been providing lifesaving vaccines to our nation’s children at no cost,” said Dr.
For three decades, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program has quietly but powerfully protected millions of American children from preventable diseases. A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released today, , highlights the program’s remarkable success, demonstrating that routine childhood vaccinations have prevented an estimated 508 million illnesses and saved over 1.1 million lives since .
Established in response to measles outbreaks in , the VFC program ensures that all recommended vaccines – a total of 19 different diseases – are available at no cost to eligible children. Eligibility extends to those under 18 years of age who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, or American Indian or Alaska Native.
“For 30 years, the Vaccines for Children program has been providing lifesaving vaccines to our nation’s children at no cost,” said Dr. Deborah Houry, CDC Chief Medical Officer. “Because of congressional support and dedicated partners across the country, we have prevented more than 1.1 million deaths in kids born during the VFC era. There is no better time than now, as families are planning for returning to school, to continue this effort that keeps our children safe from disease and prepares them for the fall and winter virus season.”
The impact is substantial. The CDC estimates that every dollar spent on childhood immunizations results in approximately $11 in savings, totaling nearly $2.7 trillion in societal costs averted over the past three decades. In alone, the VFC program distributed over 74 million doses of pediatric vaccines through more than 37,000 participating healthcare providers across 61 state, local, and territorial immunization programs.
The latest data, detailed in a CDC Vital Signs report, reveals that almost 90% of VFC-eligible children born in received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Importantly, this high coverage rate showed no significant differences based on race and ethnicity, poverty status, or geographic location – urban versus rural.
However, the report also identifies areas for improvement. While MMR coverage is encouraging, overall vaccination coverage among VFC-eligible children remains slightly lower than that of children not eligible for the program. Specifically, coverage rates for the combined seven-vaccine series – a set of recommended immunizations – were just over 61% for VFC-eligible children born in .
Dr. Georgina Peacock, Director of CDC Immunization Services Division, emphasized the challenges in completing vaccine series. “Vaccination coverage was lowest for vaccines that require multiple doses with at least one dose given after 12 months of age,” she explained. “This suggests children face challenges to receiving vaccines that require multiple doses as well as doses in the second year of life.”
Coverage gaps were particularly noticeable among VFC-eligible children who were uninsured or living below the poverty level, although the MMR vaccine showed more equitable coverage across socioeconomic groups. These disparities highlight the need to address barriers to access beyond just the cost of the vaccines themselves.
Healthcare providers play a critical role in bridging these gaps. The CDC encourages providers to strongly recommend vaccines at every visit, assess individual patient needs, and participate in the VFC program to provide vaccinations to eligible children. The agency recently launched “Let’s Rise,” an initiative aimed at catching Americans up on vaccinations missed or delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The success of the VFC program in achieving and maintaining measles elimination status in the U.S. Is a testament to its effectiveness. However, ongoing efforts are crucial to ensure that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances, have the opportunity to benefit from the protection offered by vaccines. Families can find a VFC program provider near them by contacting their state or local health department.
The CDC’s findings underscore the enduring value of vaccination as a cornerstone of public health. By continuing to invest in programs like the VFC and working collaboratively with healthcare providers and communities, we can safeguard the health of future generations.