Responsible Entities (REs), along with Public Health Regions (PHRs) and Local Health Departments (LHDs), ensure a smooth transition between DSHS central office staff and program providers.
PHRs and contracted LHDs who oversee immunizers enrolled in DSHS programs are responsible for ensuring facilities in their jurisdiction comply with state and federal standards. This includes the Texas Vaccine for Children (TVFC) and Adult Safety Net (ASN) programs. REs are responsible for ensuring compliance and vaccine ordering through the Vaccine Ordering and Allocation System (VAOS).
Health departments have certain responsibilities that relate to IPOM objectives, these are further explained in the yearly contractor's guide. Learn more about requirements for contracted work with DSHS.
REs ensure providers adhere to program standards and rules. Learn about enrollment requirements for the Adult Safety Net, Texas Immunization Registry, Texas Vaccines for Children, and Vaccine Ordering and Allocation System.
Containing both the compliance requirements for Texas DSHS and federal Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP), the Quality Assurance and Improvement (IQAI) team helps REs stay up-to-date with federal and state requirements.
Texas DSHS provides free immunization materials for PHRs and LHDs. Bulk and private stock items should be ordered directly from PIET@dshs.texas.gov. Private stock must be approved by the DSHS program that owns it. Contact the public information, education and training team (PIET) for more information. If an item is out of stock on the website, please contact PIET, as we may have an update on availability. All materials are shipped for free unless expedited shipping is requested.
Managing the collaboration between providers and DSHS central office can be tricky at times, which is why we have provided training for all aspects of Texas DSHS immunization programs.
From brochures to flyers, clinic information and toolkits to customizable social media posts, Texas DSHS provides their REs with an assortment of materials to decrease the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.