North Carolina Launches Map for Free Childhood Vaccines

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has unveiled a new interactive map to help families find free childhood vaccines as they prepare for summer camps and the upcoming school year. This initiative is part of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides all recommended vaccines at no cost for eligible children and teens.

The map was launched this week and allows users to search for local vaccine providers by city or ZIP code. NCDHHS aims to reduce financial barriers for families and ensure that children are protected from preventable diseases. “Vaccines protect what matters most – your child’s health,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We know parents want to make the best choices for their children and encourage them to talk to their child’s doctor if they have questions.”

The VFC program covers all vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including those required for school attendance. Families could potentially save hundreds of dollars on vaccination costs, preventing high out-of-pocket expenses.

In addition to locating providers, the NCDHHS map is available in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wider audience. Health officials emphasize the importance of staying current with vaccinations, especially given recent disease outbreaks. Dr. Kelly Kimple, Interim State Health Director, stated, “The ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. reminds us that vaccine-preventable diseases still pose serious risks.”

To support families, NCDHHS is also offering health care clinics updated bilingual toolkits and training materials to facilitate vaccine discussions. For more information or to find a vaccine provider near you, visit VaccinesForKids.nc.gov or VacunasParaNinos.nc.gov.