The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is proud to announce the success of our Pediatric Department in administering life-saving vaccines through the Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program. This federally funded program, established in 1994, provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children under the age of 19, ensuring that no child in our community is left vulnerable to preventable diseases.
In 2023, the dedicated team at CIHA administered a total of 4,775 vaccines, representing a value of $431,576.08. This achievement not only highlights CIHA’s commitment to protecting the health of our youngest community members but also underscores the financial savings that this program provides to the organization and the families we serve.
The success of CIHA’s vaccination efforts is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our Pediatric Department staff. The VFC program requires stringent compliance with federal guidelines, including weekly vaccine inventory monitoring, monthly vaccine ordering, and continuous monitoring of vaccine storage temperatures. CIHA’s Pediatric Department, under the leadership of program coordinators, Lindsay Ammons, RN, and Erin Hyde, CMA, has consistently met these requirements, ensuring that our clinic remains in full compliance with the program’s contract.
During a recent site visit by the North Carolina Immunization Branch, CIHA’s Pediatric Department received a perfect score, with no errors found over the past two years. This accomplishment reflects the meticulous care and attention to detail demonstrated by the entire team, including program supervisors Stephanie Brown, RN, Mistee Cutshaw, RN, and Outpatient Clinical Manager Cynthia Lambert, Director of Nursing for Primary Care.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to our providers and staff for their unwavering dedication to this vital program,” said Teri Morris, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Executive Director of Quality/patient Safety. “Their efforts ensure that our patients remain protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, contributing to a healthier, safer future for all.”
The Federal VFC Program was born out of necessity following the 1989–1991 measles epidemic in the United States, which tragically resulted in tens of thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths, primarily among unvaccinated children. The cost of vaccines was identified as a significant barrier to vaccination, leading Congress to create the VFC Program under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. The program became operational in 1994, with the goal of ensuring that no eligible child goes unvaccinated due to financial constraints.
By providing vaccines at no cost, the VFC Program plays a crucial role in promoting health equity and reducing disparities in vaccination rates. It protects against 19 different diseases, preventing millions of illnesses and hospitalizations nationwide.
For more information about the Vaccine for Children Program and CIHA’s pediatric services, please contact the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority at (828) 497-9163.