Ordering Vaccines

Order vaccines based on your practice’s needs. Having too many of a vaccine can lead to spoilage and wastage of expensive vaccines. Having too few vaccines available, could lead to missed opportunities to provide on-time immunization to some patients. The following steps can help you determine how much vaccine to order:

• Review past order records. Your vaccine manufacturer representatives can be good resources. 
• Determine which specific vaccines your practice will use and when they will be needed. Each practice should develop its own immunization schedule that is consistent with CDC recommendations (www.cdc.gov/vaccines).
• Conduct frequent inventories to ensure limited lost or wasted vaccines.
• View the Vaccine Storage and Handling page for more information on managing your inventory.

Ordering Private Vaccines

Purchasing groups can be a good resource to save on costs. Be sure to get all the details; some are product specific and limit which vaccines you can order or use.

If you order through a manufacturer, take advantage of any special pricing offers. They might include:

Prompt Pay Discounts reflect a discount that vaccine manufacturers provide in exchange for a more rapid payment on account payables. The terms to receive the discount are usually favorable – 60 to 90 days.

Website Order Discounts provide discounts from the manufacturers for ordering their vaccines directly from their website. This allows them to promote their products to you while more easily tracking client activity.

Promotions or Sales occur when vaccine manufacturers attempt to push inventory and influence ordering patterns. Pay attention to annual sales dates and structure some of your ordering around the lower price opportunities.

Credit Cards create opportunities in two ways. They extend payment terms (typically by an additional 30 days), and many credit cards payback in cash or other benefits (airline miles, etc.). Make certain not to violate payment terms on your credit card or you might face interest payments of 20% or above.

Ordering Vaccines For Children Program (VFC) Vaccines

VFC vaccines must be ordered and stored separately from private stock. If you are a VFC provider, check with your state to see which vaccines are available and find out how often the state prefers you to order.

• VFC Coordinators
• VFC State Web sites
• More information about the VFC program ​

Ordering for the Influenza Season

Please see the Influenza Prebooking  page for more information on ordering flu vaccine for your practice.