About Vaccine Programs

The California Department of Public Health plays a critical role in supporting state immunization goals by purchasing vaccines in bulk, managing immunization grants for local health departments, and coordinating provider access to publicly funded vaccines.

VFC Program

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program is a federally funded, state-operated program that supplies all ACIP-recommended vaccines at no cost to enrolled providers who serve eligible children from birth through 18 years. The California VFC Program has earned high marks for making it easy for providers to offer high-quality care to their patients. Read more. 

Section 317 Program

The Section 317 Program is a federal program enacted in 1962 by Section 317 of the Public Health Service Act, funded by Congress, and administered by CDC. It plays a critical role in helping to achieve national immunization goals by funding immunization grants (for infrastructure of systems and workforce) and vaccine purchase (for underinsured children and adults) for states. Program flexibility allows quick and efficient responses to state-specific priorities and outbreaks. As a discretionary program, funding is not guaranteed from year to year. 

VFA Program 

The Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program was created by CDPH to increase adult vaccination rates and decrease disparities in immunization coverage. To achieve these goals, the program provides no-cost vaccines to qualifying health centers and helps them integrate standards for adult immunization practice into routine clinical care. Read more. 

LHD 317 Program 

The LHD 317 Program was created by CDPH to increase adult vaccination rates and decrease disparities in immunization coverage by partnering with local health departments and other approved facilities. It also provides limited vaccine supply for certain public health activities such as outbreak responses and mass vaccination campaigns. Read more. 

State Programs

SGF Program 

The California State Legislature allocates funds from the State General Fund for the purchase of vaccines, primarily influenza and occasionally Tdap. Vaccines may be administered to patients of all ages without restrictions, especially vulnerable populations with limited access to healthcare. CDPH purchases vaccines and distributes them to local health departments who allocate them to a provider network of approved community providers, clinics, and community events. Read more.