Thursday, July 26, 2012
Illinois Health Connect recommends that all providers who currently participate with the Vaccines For Children (VFC) Program get registered with I-CARE in anticipation of a merger between VFC Illinois and I-CARE which is expected to be complete in six months.
Once completed, all VFC Illinois providers will be required to order their VFC vaccines online using I-CARE. The merger for VFC Chicago providers will roll out once VFC Illinois merger is finalized.
Other I-CARE and VFC notes:
- If you are currently using Electronic Health Records (EHR), you can transfer your immunization records to I-CARE through a secure data exchange. If your EHR vendor can create HL7 immunization messages and can transfer the messages securely, please have your vendor contact Robin Holding of the Illinois Department of Public Health at [email protected] or 217-557-0021. If your EHR vendor cannot create HL7 messages or cannot transfer them securely, a public health node has been developed to assist your vendor with transferring immunization records to I-CARE. Please contact Mike Jadala of the Illinois Department of Public Health at [email protected] or 217-558-6707.
- VFC Chicago is hosting a training session on September 14 at the Chicago Department of Public Health office located at 2160 W. Ogden in Chicago. The session is scheduled from 8-10:30 a.m. The training is appropriate for any new staff or staff who have recently assumed some or all VFC duties in provider offices. Registration is required. For more information, call Marcia Levin at 312-746-6050.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The Southern Illinois Immunization Provider Education Program will be hosted on September 27 at John A. Logan College in Carterville.
The deadline for registering for the five-hour seminar is September 1. Topics that will be covered are:
- 2012 ACIP immunization recommendations for children and adolescents,
- training on latest recommendations and case scenarios on vaccine storage and handling,
- information and updates on I-CARE,
- updates to Vaccines For Children (VFC) Program, including changes to VFC ordering system.
For more information, contact Cristy Wedemeyer at [email protected] or 217-836-8696.
Monday, July 23, 2012
The State of Illinois HIV/AIDS & STD Hotline recently expanded its services to adolescents and young adults.
Specials counseling and referrals for clients ages 12-24 years old are now available. The hotline will now address adolescents who have a recent HIV/AIDS diagnosis. The hotline also will provide services to adolescents who have fallen out of HIV/AIDS treatment.
The toll-free number for the HIV/AIDS & STD Hotline is 1-800-243-2437. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily in English and Spanish.
The hotline will continue to provide accurate information on HIV, AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. Clients can get emotional support, information about testing and statewide referrals for healthcare.