Mid-Columbia Medical Center’s outpatient clinics MCMC Family Medicine
and MCMC Pediatrics have achieved recognition for vaccine accounting excellence
from the Oregon Health Authority. Less than half of the 602 clinics that
participate in Vaccines for Children met or exceeded the program’s
vaccine inventory accounting requirements for the third quarter of 2017.
“Mid-Columbia Medical Center is proud to achieve recognition for
vaccine accounting excellence from the Oregon Health Authority. One of
the ways MCMC promotes excellence in healthcare is by exceeding the rigorous
standards for vaccine storage and handling set by the Oregon Health Authority.
We are proud to promote community health by ensuring that all children
have access to safe, effective vaccines,” said Dennis Knox, MCMC
President and CEO.
Vaccines for Children is a federally funded program run by the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC buys and distributes vaccines
throughout the country to participating public and private clinics. To
be eligible for VFC, children must be American Indian or Alaskan Native,
uninsured, or enrolled in Medicaid or Oregon Health Plan.
VFC adheres to best practices for vaccine management and inventory accounting.
Participating clinics are expected to follow best practices for all vaccines
they administer. To ensure the program is safe, effective, and well-managed,
there are requirements at the state and federal levels.
Clinics enrolled in the VFC program receive site visits to verify compliance
with program requirements. Clinics may also receive unannounced visits
to check vaccine storage and handling.
The Oregon Health Authority is a state agency that works to lower and contain
healthcare costs, improve quality and increase access to healthcare. To
view the announcement, please go to
http://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREVENTIONWELLNESS/VACCINESIMMUNIZATION/IMMUNIZATIONPROVIDERRESOURCES/VFC/Pages/VFCExcellence.aspx
For more information please contact Athena Miller, MCMC Public Information
Officer at 541.506.6408.
