The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) require the timely provision of recommended immunizations for both children and adults. The official vaccine policy for the State of California is established by the California Department of Public Heath (CDPH). Providers should follow CDPH guidance for pediatric and adult immunizations.

The CDPH develops its immunization recommendations using evidence from medical researchers and frontline clinicians. This process includes input from leading professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in collaboration with the Western Healthcare Alliance.

Participating providers are required to document each member's need for 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 and giving a copy to the patient or parent/guardian. Providers who administer vaccines must submit patient vaccination records to local health departments and appropriate immunization registries within the specified timelines. Providers must enroll in and use California Immunization Registry (CAIR) to report and track patient immunization records online. 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.

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:

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.

In alignment with CDPH, Health Net utilizes the AAP immunization schedule for children and the AAFP immunization schedule for adults ages 19 and older. This remains the clinical and operational standard for all pediatric and adult vaccine requirements.

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.

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.