The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is offering funding under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Strengthening Vaccine-Preventable Disease Prevention and Response" (Opportunity Number: 25-0007). This initiative aims to support public health systems in protecting communities from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) by increasing equitable access, confidence, and demand for vaccines. The program builds upon the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Section 317 programs, which serve as foundational elements of the national immunization infrastructure. The NOFO emphasizes seven core strategies: strengthening program infrastructure and management, increasing vaccine access, improving vaccination equity, promoting vaccine confidence and demand, enhancing data and evaluation, strengthening program support for partners, and enhancing vaccination response readiness.

The purpose of the funding opportunity is to reduce morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases through the aforementioned strategies. The NOFO includes three components, all of which must be addressed in applications. Component 1 focuses on core activities related to immunization infrastructure, data management, and equitable vaccine distribution. Component 2 provides funding for rapid, small-scale responses to VPD outbreaks or public health emergencies, with an estimated annual allocation of $250,000. Component 3, while approved but not initially funded, supports large-scale responses with an estimated potential annual funding of $3,000,000.

Eligible applicants include state, territorial, local, and tribal governments, along with their bona fide agents. Eligibility is limited to entities meeting specific population thresholds or jurisdictional requirements, such as serving large urban populations or operating within U.S. territories. Applications must demonstrate the organization’s capacity to manage immunization programs, including staffing plans, fiscal management systems, and partnerships with community stakeholders. Documentation such as resumes, job descriptions, and organizational charts must be included to illustrate readiness and capacity.

Applications must include a detailed project narrative addressing strategies, expected outcomes, and evaluation plans. The narrative should outline how the applicant will implement evidence-based interventions, monitor performance, and address health disparities. Required documents include a project abstract, budget narrative, letters of support, and a report on potential overlap with other funding sources. Work plans and budgets for all three components must be completed within the Vaccines for Children Cooperative Agreement Management Platform (VFC CAMP) and uploaded as part of the application.

The evaluation criteria focus on the applicant’s background and approach, the feasibility of strategies, the clarity and effectiveness of the evaluation and performance measurement plan, and the organizational capacity to implement the proposed activities. Applications will undergo an initial responsiveness review followed by a technical review by CDC project officers and subject matter experts. The deadline for submission is March 13, 2025, with an informational call scheduled for January 8, 2025.

Post-award requirements include quarterly and annual performance reporting, financial reporting, and data management plans. Recipients are also expected to engage in ongoing collaboration with CDC, including participation in technical assistance sessions and monitoring activities. The CDC will provide guidance, resources, and oversight to ensure effective program implementation and alignment with national immunization priorities.