ARRA Vaccine Program: Best Practices and Lessons Learned for Enhanced Vaccine Stewardship

Background:  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provided states with funding for additional vaccines to fill existing gaps in the current 317 program.  To ensure the vaccine had the maximum impact in reaching underserved populations, new management practices were put into place.

Setting:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; State and local immunization programs receiving ARRA funds.

Population:  Information is applicable to state and local immunization program staff responsible for vaccine management and accountability.

Project Description:  This project documents the joint processes utilized by the CDC, CDC’s grant immunization programs, Association of Immunization Managers (AIM), and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officers (ASTHO) to ensure good stewardship of the ARRA vaccine funding in maximizing reach to underserved populations.  It will provide participants with suggestions and recommendations for applying these principles to ongoing vaccine management practices. 

Results/Lessons Learned:  The ARRA vaccine program was able to reach areas unfulfilled by the current 317 program.  To do this, important business practices in the ordering and monitoring of vaccine spending were incorporated at CDC and in CDC’s grant immunization programs.  Successes and lessons learned that can be applied on an ongoing basis will be discussed.