On Wednesday, May 21, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services launched an “Interactive Vaccine Provider Map” that’s meant to help eligible families find and access free, childhood vaccines through the department’s vaccines for children program.

With a new measles outbreak happening across the country, and US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. often raising his concerns about the safety of vaccines, North Carolina and Guilford County health officials are doing everything they can to promote the vaccination of children for common diseases and assure the public that those vaccines are safe and effective.

The latest tool in that effort will make it easier for state residents to find out where they and their children can get vaccinated at no cost.

“As families across North Carolina prepare for summer camps and back-to-school requirements,” state health officials said with the announcement of the new tool, “the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is making it easier for those who are eligible to find free childhood vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program by launching a new VFC provider map.”

That program offers free vaccines for eligible children and teenagers, and it covers all vaccinations recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  –  including those required to attend child care facilities and school in North Carolina.

Using the map, those eligible can save hundreds of dollars for each child by avoiding out-of-pocket expenditures for vaccines.

To make accessing these free vaccines easier, the department launched the new interactive map on VaccinesForKids.nc.gov (English) and VacunasParaNinos.nc.gov (Spanish).

Users can search by city or ZIP code to find nearby providers.

In addition to using the map, families accessing the tool can also:

  • Check eligibility for free vaccines
  • Access clear, up-to-date information on required and recommended vaccines
  • Find answers to common questions about vaccine safety, etc.

NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said, at the time of the release of the new tool, that vaccines are one of the very best ways to keep children in the state healthy.

“Vaccines protect what matters most – your child’s health,” Sangvai said. “We know parents want to make the best choices for their children and encourage them to talk to their child’s doctor if they have questions. As we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our youngest North Carolinians, vaccines remain one of the most powerful tools we have to protect children from serious, preventable diseases.”

The NC Department of Health and Human Services also sent out a statement Wednesday noting that it understands families may have questions about vaccines and therefore state officials are encouraging everyone to have conversations with their health care providers.

In order to support these conversations, the department is going to continue to provide clinics with new bilingual toolkits, training materials and resources meant to help guide families through their vaccine decisions.

State health officials warn, “The ongoing measles outbreak in the US reminds us that vaccine-preventable diseases still pose serious risks. Vaccines protect children from illnesses that can be severe or even life-threatening. Delaying or skipping vaccines leaves kids vulnerable.”

Interim State Health Director Dr. Kelly Kimple said this: “We understand that parents want to feel confident and informed. The VFC program is about giving parents the tools and support they need to protect their children — at no cost to them.”

You can learn more about the program or find a provider near you at VaccinesForKids.nc.gov.

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