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  Practice Support Newsletter
  August 2026
National Immunization Awareness Month
In August, we observe National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This time is designated to focus on the importance of vaccination and encourage people of all ages to stay current on recommended immunizations. Being immunized with the correct vaccine doses protects people from a variety of diseases, some serious and potentially life-threatening. The CDC lists recommended vaccines for both adults and children . 

Immunizations Matter
Vaccines can protect individuals from potentially serious and life-threatening diseases like
influenza, hepatitis B and HPV. They work to stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and fight infections. In doing so, vaccines help reduce illness, hospitalization, disability, and even death. Immunization not only protects the person receiving the vaccine but also helps safeguard entire communities through community immunity . When a high percentage of people are vaccinated, the spread of infectious diseases is limited, helping protect those who cannot receive vaccines due to age or medical conditions.

Healthcare Providers and Immunization Awareness
During National Immunization Awareness Month,
providers are encouraged
to educate patients, answer questions, address concerns, and recommend vaccines based on age, health status, and risk factors. Healthcare organizations also use this month to promote vaccine schedules and increase awareness about current immunization recommendations. As a healthcare provider in
North Carolina, you can:
  • Review the patient’s vaccination status at every visit. Use workflows to make this a routine practice. 
  • Educate the patient on vaccine recommendations
  • Make access easy for patients to get vaccines. This may involve extending your clinic hours.
  • Address any concerns or hesitancy the patient may have regarding vaccines in an empathetic and respectful manner.
  • Document vaccines in the patient’s electronic health record and in the North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR)
  • Provide training for the healthcare team on immunizations.
Note: The North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR) relaunch that was planned for late July 2026 has been postponed. Providers can continue to use NCIR’s current system to place orders for vaccines. Please see the NC DHHS page for information on the postponement and the NCIR Replacement Readiness Checklist.

Additional resources:
  • Immunize.org - Home | Immunize.org
  • CDC: National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)
  • CDC: Immunization Training Courses 
  • CDC: Adult Immunization Standards
  • NC DHHS: Immunization Information for Providers
  • North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR)
  • NC Immunization Branch
  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2026 Immunization Schedule
  • HHS: Vaccine Safety Resources
  • CDC: Recommended Vaccines

Childhood Immunization Status (CIS)

The Childhood Immunization Status measure looks at the percentage of children ages 2 and older who have been given a defined set of vaccinations
by their second birthday. Another name for this measure set is CIS. The vaccinations and doses include:
  1. Four (4) DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis)
  2. Three (3) IPV (polio)
  3. One (1) MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  4. Three (3) or four (4) HiB (H influenza type B)
  5. Three (3) HepB (hepatitis B)
  6. One (1) VZV (chicken pox)
  7. Four (4) PCV (pneumococcal conjugate)
  8. One (1) HepA (hepatitis A)
  9. Two (2) or three (3) RV (rotavirus), and
  10. Two (2) flu (influenza)
Measure specifications for Childhood Immunization Status can be found at the ECQI Resource Center. Pediatric vaccine information for both parents and healthcare professionals can be found at Get the Facts | Let’s Get Real .

For additional guidance, NC AHEC has CIS Tip Sheets for both
Primary Care and FQHCs.

Dates to Remember
Several programs either have made recent changes or will be making changes soon. Follow the links below for the most current information::
  • July 1, 2026: Launch of Medicare’s GLP-1 Bridge Program. Learn more here. Please review the Prescriber Fact Sheet and use the Prior Authorization Form where applicable.
  • October 1, 2026: Changes to Medicare telehealth medical services for community health clinics (CHCs).
  • October 1, 2026: Tailored plans Vaya Health and Partners Health merge to become Vaya Partners. Find more information on the merger here. 
  • October 3, 2026: QPP/MIPS – Improvement Activities: last day to start a 90-day performance period
  • December 31, 2026: The NC Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) pilot program will end. See this link for information and billing code changes. 
  • December 31, 2026: End of the MIPS 2026 performance year. Also, deadline to apply for the MIPS Exception Applications.
  • December 31, 2026: NC Medicaid Update on the Care Management for At-Risk Children and Care Management for High-Risk Pregnancy Programs | NC Medicaid - extended through this date. 
  • January 1, 2027: Changes to the 2027 Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule (payment and policy changes for physicians and practitioners) take effect. Read the proposed rule here.
  • March 31, 2027: QPP/MIPS – Submission deadline for 2026 reporting. 
  • December 31, 2027: End of Aetna contract as third-party administrator of the NC State Health Plan. The NC State Health Plan goes back to being administered by BCBS of NC on January 1, 2028.

Regulatory Reminder:
Have questions about Immunizations? Ask the Experts!
Immunize.org has a wealth of information to aid healthcare professionals with vaccinations questions or concerns. Among the information, you will find guidance, updates and clinical resources.  The website also has an ‘Ask the Experts’ feature which provides answers from the site’s experts about all things vaccine related. There are questions on specific types of vaccines as well as general topics. Here are just a few questions in the ‘Administering Vaccines’ section that questions medical practices may encounter:
  • Q: How many vaccines can be given during an office visit?
  • Q: Is it necessary to wear gloves when we administer vaccinations?
  • Q: How far in advance can vaccines be drawn?
  • Q: What can be done if a dose of expired vaccine is given to a patient?
Questions can be submitted here.

AHEC Class Spotlight

Aging Care Series: The Quiet Epidemic -
Loneliness in Later Life and Why It Matters

Many things can occur in the mind and body of a person dealing with loneliness, especially in the later stages of life. This webinar “This presentation explores the prevalence, risk factors, and health consequences of loneliness in later life, highlighting its impact on physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Designed for clinicians working with older adults, the session emphasizes practical strategies for recognizing loneliness in clinical settings and integrating evidence informed responses into routine care.” The live webinar will be held on September 23, 2026, from 12pm – 1pm for a fee of $35.00. Register before September 9, 2026, to take advantage of Early Bird Registration. Click here for more details and registration information.  

Integrated Care Series:
Screening for Health-Related Resource Needs (session 2)

This is the second session in a four-part series designed to touch on topics related to pediatric, maternal and preventive care. These webinars are specifically for employees of Health Departments here in North Carolina. Northwest AHEC notes that the program series is aligned with NC Medicaid’s 2026 Withhold Program and “will provide practical strategies, updated guidance, and actionable tools to strengthen high-quality, equitable care across the care continuum.” This particular webinar delves into documentation best practices, elements of the screening process and effective ways to follow-up and leverage community-based resources. This live webinar will be held on August 26, 2026, from 11am – noon. There is no cost for the program. To get more information and to register, go here.  
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