Ice Health Center Completes Vaccine Compliance Review

By Dennis Archambault

Children and adolescents who qualify are eligible to receive critical childhood vaccinations – at no cost to them– through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. That’s about 90 percent of the patients seen at the Anne Mare’ Ice Pediatric Health Center.

In 2022, the Ice Pediatric Health Center successfully managed over $220,000 in vaccines, provided through the VFC program. Recently, Oakland County conducted a site visit to review the handling, staff training, and family communication protocols. The health center was determined in full compliance with the program’s regulation.

“Vaccines for Children provides vaccines at no cost to children under 18 who are Medicaid eligible, uninsured, underinsured, or are American Indian or Alaskan Native,” explains Brandi Lagodzinski, Ice practice manager at Ice and Authority Health Chief of Staff. “To be compliant in the program we must demonstrate accountability for each vaccine received, that we don’t waste vaccine through spoilage and only administer them to patients who are VFC eligible.” Oakland County reviewers examined where the vaccines are stored, monitored the temperature of storage, and the backup system. A backup battery is in place, as well as a transfer agreement with the pharmacy at Ascension Providence Hospital, in event of an extended power outage.

“It takes a lot of accuracy and coordination to run a successful VFC program,” she adds. “There needs to be a lot of attention to detail and teamwork among staff members – from clinical providers to our medical assistants.”

In addition to childhood vaccines, VFC also provides COVID and flu vaccines for eligible children.

According to statists from the Centers for Disease Control, nationally 472 million illnesses and 1.052 million deaths are prevented annually, along with saving $2.2 trillion in societal costs from preventable childhood illnesses.

Dennis Archambault is the VP of Public Affairs at Authority Health