Immunization News and Advisories

Date : December 20, 2006
To : All Adult Health Care Providers

Re : Rhode Island Department of Health Will Purchase and Distribute Adult Influenza Vaccine in 2007

Beginning with the 2007 - 2008 flu season, the Rhode Island Department of Health will purchase and distribute influenza vaccine for Rhode Island residents 19 years of age and older. New state legislation mandates the Health Department to manage this adult immunization program. The Health Department already has a similar system in place for the provision of pediatric vaccines.

Prebooking Vaccine for the 2007 - 2008 Flu Season

Because the Department of Health is purchasing all Rhode Island adult flu vaccine, we are asking that you do not pre-book adult flu vaccine on your own through manufacturers or distributors. Insurers (including Medicare) will not reimburse for vaccine. Providers will only be reimbursed for the administration of vaccine.

Benefits of the New Program

Starting in March 2007, adult healthcare providers will be able to order their adult flu vaccine (at no cost to them) through the Health Department. Benefits for providers include:

• Providers will not have to buy flu vaccine
• Providers will not have to manage vaccine shipping and delivery
• Flu vaccine will be distributed equitably to all providers
• Flu vaccine will be delivered directly to practices

How Providers Can Participate

The Department of Health is convening an adult flu advisory group. Input and feedback from providers will be important as we create this new program. To participate on the advisory group, please contact Annemarie Beardsworth at 222-5658 or at annemarie.beardsworth@health.ri.gov.

Learning More About the Program

More detailed information about this new system, including how to enroll, place vaccine orders, and receive vaccines, will be coming in the next few weeks. Please watch for future mailings, check your professional organization's web site, or visit www.health.ri.gov.