The North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) is offering additional doses of seasonal influenza vaccines specifically for farmworkers. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance vaccination efforts due to the ongoing circulation of H5 avian influenza, which has been identified in wild birds, poultry, and dairy cattle across the United States, including within North Carolina. By prioritizing flu vaccinations for farmworkers, we aim to lower their risk of developing severe illness related to seasonal flu and help prevent the spread of disease.
Initial communications regarding this initiative were for a select group of Local Health Departments (LHDs) with a high number of farmworkers who work with livestock and poultry. Due to the increased risk of exposure to H5 avian influenza, we are now expanding this opportunity to all LHDs across the state to further protect farmworkers and the agricultural community.
How to Order
To order additional doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine for farmworkers, complete the Farmworker Supplemental Flu Request Form.
By ordering these doses, you agreeing to the following.
Eligibility
- State-supplied seasonal flu vaccine must be administered at no cost to eligible recipients, (any farm-based employee, 19 years of age or older, who works with live animals such as poultry, cattle, hogs, etc.), regardless of insurance status. Doses are not to be used for workers in meat processing facilities.
- To help extend the supply of farmworker flu vaccine, private vaccine should be used for fully insured individuals when possible.
- VFC vaccines should be used for VFC-eligible individuals under 19 years of age.
- Screen individuals for program eligibility using a standardized question, such as: “Do you work with dairy cows or calves, poultry, or some other animal on a farm?” If the answer is “yes” and doses are administered as part of this campaign, administrations must be documented in NCIR within 24 hours of administration.
Documentation Requirements
Participating LHDs are required to document farmworker occupation for each dose administered as part of this program. A new client comment field was added to NCIR to denote the farmworker occupation. Review instructions for how to add the new client comment.
Reporting Requirements for Local Health Departments Receiving AA720 Funding Only
(Participating Counties Include: Alexander, Anson, Bladen, Chatham, Duplin, Greene, Harnett, Iredell, Johnston, Moore, Randolph, Robeson, Sampson, Surry, Wayne)
Monthly reports to include each month's number of mobile vaccination clinics conducted and for the State-supplied seasonal influenza vaccine provided. This reporting includes each month’s number of eligible farmworkers vaccinated and each month's number of wasted or spoiled vaccine doses. Monthly reporting can be submitted using the AA720 Program Reporting Form.
We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance the protection of farmworkers and the broader agricultural community.
How to contact us:
For assistance, please contact the NCIP Help Desk by phone at 1-877-USE-NCIR (1-877-873-6247) or by email: ncirhelp@dhhs.nc.gov
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and dedication to improving immunization outcomes in North Carolina.
In Health,
NC Department of Health and Human Services