Administration of Immunizations
Provider Type
- Physicians
- Participating Physician Groups (PPG)
- Hospitals
- Ancillary
Primary care physicians (PCPs) are responsible for immunizing members and maintaining all immunization information in the member's medical record. Local health departments (LHDs) may also immunize Health Net Medi-Cal members.
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) requires participating providers to document each member's need for Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)-recommended immunizations as part of all regular health visits and to report the administration of immunizations within 14 days
PCPs must be available to administer immunizations during office hours. The PCP is responsible for updating the state-supplied "yellow card" (PM 298) immunization record or other immunization record.
At each visit, the PCP should inquire whether the patient has received immunizations from another provider. The PCP should also educate members regarding their responsibility to inform the PCP if they receive immunizations elsewhere (such as from an LHD or non-participating provider). This information is necessary for documentation and the member's safety.
Providers must enroll in and use the California Immunization Registry (CAIR) website at CAIRweb.org to report and track patient immunization records online.
Vaccines for Children Program
Refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and other forms for Medi-Cal-eligible members. Providers are required to enroll in the program in order to participate. This federally funded program furnishes free vaccines in bulk to enrolled providers. All Medi-Cal-eligible children under age 19 may receive VFC vaccines.
To participate in the VFC program, providers must complete these forms:
- Provider Enrollment Form
- Provider Profile Form
- VFC Program Vaccine Order Form
Promoting Immunization and Access to Care
The Health Net Medi-Cal Facility Site Review (FSR) Compliance Department provides educational materials that physicians can use to promote immunization services and access to care. Materials available include pediatric and adult immunization checklists, a basic screening questionnaire for contraindications to child and teem immunizations, a health screening schedule, a member immunization chart, and reproducible member educational materials. Refer to the CDC website for:
The Health Net FSR Compliance nurses also promote the use of the CDC Vaccine Information Statements (VIS). Distribution of VIS is required when a member receives an immunization. Distribution of VIS and the VIS publication date must be documented in the member's medical record. Refer to the CDC website for VIS and other immunization resources.
Member Outreach Education
Health Net's member outreach and health education efforts concentrate on informing members about the importance of immunizations, immunization schedules, and the need to preserve immunization records. Members receive information in their new member packet, annual immunization reminder postcards, and brochures that are available through the Health Net member website and Health Education Department toll-free information line.