Fact Sheet: A National Review of Successes and Barriers to Pharmacists’ Participation in the Vaccines for Children Program

Pharmacies serve as an important community-based access point for vaccinations and have the potential to better serve children by participating in the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. While all 50 states allow for pharmacists to vaccinate adults, not all states allow pharmacies to participate in the VFC program, limiting some patients’ ability to easily access the benefits of vaccination. Further, additional barriers such as differing state laws and regulations, retail pharmacy policies and pharmacists scope of practice can limit a state’s ability to deliver vaccinations to VFC-eligible children through pharmacies. The purpose of this document is to summarize common successes and challenges experienced across the US regarding pharmacists participation in and delivery of VFC vaccines.