Raleigh, N.C. — As North Carolina families gear up for summer camps and prepare for the upcoming school year, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is taking steps to make it easier for parents to access free childhood vaccines. A new interactive provider map, launched this week, allows families to quickly locate clinics that participate in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
The VFC program offers all CDC-recommended vaccines — including those required for child care and school attendance — at no cost to eligible children and teens. The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers and ensure children across the state are protected from preventable diseases.
“Vaccines protect what matters most – your child’s health,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “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.”
The new tool, available in both English and Spanish at VaccinesForKids.nc.gov and VacunasParaNinos.nc.gov, allows users to search for local VFC providers by city or ZIP code. In addition to locating nearby clinics, families can:
- Check eligibility for free vaccines
- Access up-to-date information on vaccine requirements and recommendations
- Find answers to frequently asked questions about vaccine safety
Health officials stress the importance of staying on schedule with childhood immunizations, especially in light of recent disease outbreaks. “The ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. reminds us that vaccine-preventable diseases still pose serious risks,” said Dr. Kelly Kimple, Interim State Health Director and Acting Director of the Division of Public Health. “The VFC program is about giving parents the tools and support they need to protect their children — at no cost to them.”
To further assist families, NCDHHS is providing health care clinics with updated bilingual toolkits, training materials, and resources to help guide vaccine discussions and decisions.
For more information or to find a free vaccine provider near you, visit VaccinesForKids.nc.gov.
