The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awards contracts to the manufacturers of
pediatric vaccines for the purchase of standard commercial pediatric vaccines. Vaccines are one of the
most cost-effective ways to prevent disease and reduce healthcare costs. The Vaccine for Children
(VFC) program established pursuant to Section 13631of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of
1993 (OBRA '93), guarantees federal support for the purchase and supply of sufficient quantities of
vaccine to the States to cover a defined group of children. The program helps assure the
implementation of effective immunization practices and proper use of vaccines to achieve higher
immunization coverage. Children (18 years-of-age or younger) who qualify for immunization through
the VFC purchase program include those who are(1) Medicaid-eligible, (2) without health insurance,
(3) American Indian/Alaska native (as defined in Subsection (h)(3) of the OBRA '93), or (4) children
with health insurance, which does not cover the cost of vaccines, if they receive their immunizations at
a Federally-qualified health center or rural health clinic (as defined by the Social Security Act). Health
care providers who agree to certain requirements are eligible through the States to receive free vaccine
through this VFC purchase program. The establishment of these contracts provides an opportunity to
utilize VFC funds and Section 317 vaccine purchase funds to obtain vaccines at prices below those
available in the commercial marketplace. In addition, awardees may opt to purchase additional
quantities of vaccine under any resulting contract to provide immunizations for children who are not
federally vaccine-eligible children using state and local funds. Offerors for this requirement must be
manufacturers of pediatric vaccines in accordance with 42 U.S.C. (S)1396s. The term "manufacturer"
means any corporation, organization, or institution, whether public or private (including Federal, State,
and local departments, agencies, and instrumentalities), which manufactures, imports, processes, or
distributes under its label any pediatric vaccine. The term "manufacture" means to manufacture,
import, process, or distribute a vaccine.
