DELAWARE HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
Division of Public Health
Immunization Program 1-800-282-8672

Winter 2007
The Immunization Bulletin

TO THE PROVIDERS
Welcome to the first Immunization Bulleting newsletter. We, at the Division of 
Public Health's immunization program, share your commitment to delivering the 
profound benefits of vaccines to our children and community. Through this 
newsletter, we hope to keep health professionals updated concerning vaccine 
supplies, manufacturers and guidance from the Immunization Program and the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


DIRECT DELIVERY OF VFC VACCINES
On June 4, the Division of Public Health's Immunization Program transitioned to 
a new system with McKesson as the distributor for all vaccine for the Vaccines 
for Children program. It will take two weeks on average to receive a shipment. 
Delivery will occur Tuesday through Friday. Providers are advised to take this 
into account in managing inventory.
Delivery process:
	McKesson will deliver vaccines directly to the health care provider.
	Varicella and MMRV vaccines will continue to be shipped directly 
	from the manufacturer.
	Providers should assure that primary and back-up staff are trained to 
	properly store and handle vaccines, and that the staff is available to 
	receive shipments.
	Staff contact information and vaccine storage instructions should be 
	posted prominently where deliveries are received to ensure prompt 
	attention. Vaccine should never be left unattended.
	Upon receipt, the package should be opened immediately and the 
	vaccine stored as appropriate. The enclosed temperature monitor 
	should be checked. If it does not indicate that the temperature is 
	in the acceptable range contact the VFC Coordinator as soon as 
	possible at 1-800-282-8672. Never reject or fail to appropriately 
	store any vaccine. Contact the VFC Coordinator immediately if 
	there are difficulties.


TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO IMMUNIZATIONS
Last year, the Delaware General Assembly passed legislation phasing out 
mercury from all vaccines administered to children younger than 8 years old 
and to pregnant women by Jan. 2008. The legislation excludes vaccines 
administered during declared states of emergency or epidemics.

The full impact of the legislation will be felt after January 1, 2008 when no 
vaccine containing even trace amounts of mercury may be administered to 
these women and children. Existing inventory of mercury containing vaccine 
may not be used after this date.

The following are examples of vaccines that contain mercury:
	• DT (Diphtheria/Tetanus) multi-dose formulation by Sanofi Pasteur
	• TT (Tetanus Toxoid) by Sanofi Pasteur
	• Fluzone multi-dose vial by Sanofi Pasteur
	• Fluvirin with Thimerosal by Chiron
	• Menomune multi-dose vials by Sanofi Pasteur
	• Japanese-Encephalitis vaccine
	• A complete list is available at www.vaccinesafety.edu/thitable-07-
	0727.pdf

If you have any questions regarding how this law will impact your practice, 
please call the immunization program at 1-800-282-8672.

ANNUAL VFC SATISFACTION SURVEY
Each year, DPH’s Vaccines for Children program conducts a satisfaction survey 
of VFC providers. The survey helps us to assess provider needs and areas that 
need improvement.

The 2007 survey results indicate that 94 percent of respondents are satisfied 
with the VFC program and 94 percent found the customer service satisfactory. 
In addition, 98 percent are satisfied with the ease of vaccine ordering.

Areas that require improvement include data entry processes, visibility of the 
“read only” registry access for providers and the development of a reminder 
recall system.

Providers are urged to assist the program in improving services by completing 
and returning the survey each year.


Doc # 35-05-20/07/10/22