Healthcare providers can expect to receive their first shipments of pediatric flu vaccine next week. Flumist will begin shipping in late August. Throughout flu season, vaccine will be allocated based on the percentage of the state's annual supply received to date. For example, if the state receives 20% of our annual supply for a product, HEALTH will ship 20% of that product to healthcare providers who pre-booked that product during enrollment. The state will ship up to 30% of a provider's total "pre-book" without the provider having to place an order. Once a provider has received approximately 30% of their annual request, all orders will be filled based on the weekly reporting requirements.

The Ocean State Adult Immunization Coalition will host representatives from Blue Cross, Medicare, Neighborhood Health, Tufts Healthplan, and United Healthcare to share important information about 2012 immunization billing and reimbursement procedures. When: August, 14, 2012 Time: 8:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Doors open at 8 a.m. and networking will follow the program.) Where: Community Room, Buttonwoods Community Center Address: 3027 West Shore Road, Warwick, RI, 02886 To reserve your seat, send an email to Mary Falvey at OSAIC.RI@gmail.com. Please pass this important information along to anyone who may benefit from attending.

In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance for persons who report allergy to eggs. Refer to the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) for complete guidance.

State Supplied Vaccine (SSV) Providers who wish to continue to receive state supplied vaccine for 2012-2013 should submit the annual, online re-enrollment form as soon as possible. Failure to enroll will result in delays to any vaccine order after July 1, 2012. Please review the Enrollment Instructions available online at http://www.health.ri.gov/publications/instructions/ImmunizeForLifeEnrollment.pdf or click on the link above.

This is a reminder that individuals 19 years of age and older are eligible for state-supplied adult vaccines if they are a resident of Rhode Island, or receive health benefits through a Rhode Island employer. As referenced in the Immunization State-Supplied Vaccine (SSV) Program Terms and Conditions, providers who administer vaccines to adults who are self-pay or out-of-state residents must reimburse the state for the purchase price of the vaccine (see Patient Eligibility for Adult Vaccines chart). Costs: The cost for vaccines administered between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012 (*the state fiscal year) are as follows: Tdap: $26.53/dose; Pneumovax: $20.57/dose. * Please note: The State Fiscal Year is the 12-month period beginning July 1 through June 30 each year. Reimbursements are based on the current price at time of submission, not the date of administration. Adult contract prices change each year on or about (not before) July 1st. Process to Reimburse the State: 1. Please complete the SFY2012 State-Supplied Vaccine Program Tracking and Reimbursement. 2. Make checks payable to: General Treasurer~State of RI 3. Send the form with your check to: RI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM, ROOM 302 3 CAPITOL HILL, PROVIDENCE, RI 02908 Attn: DEBORAH PORRAZZO Questions or concerns? Please call us at 222-7876.