Identity Proofing - Frequently Asked Questions

Subject: Secure Access Management Services (SAMS)

Q:What is the Secure Access Management Services (SAMS)?

A: SAMS is an access management system that is designed to allow or deny users access to specific applications within the CDC environment. 

Subject: How SAMS and VTrckS accounts differ

Q: What is the difference between my SAMS account and my VTrckS account?

A: Your SAMS account will provide you with access to the SAMS system for maintenance of your SAMS profile and password. Your VTrckS account is only for access to VTrckS.  However, the two systems are linked. When a user logs into https://sams.cdc.gov, they will be logging into SAMS and can then pass into VTrckS, or other CDC system (if applicable). When a user logs into https://vtrcks.cdc.gov, they will actually be logging into the SAMS system for credential verification, but will be taken directly into VTrckS when the user’s credentials are verified.

Subject: Why need identity proofed

Q: Why do immunization program staff members need to have their identity proofed?

A: Each person who is requesting access to a federal system that is not a federal employee is required to register and complete steps that will confirm the new user’s identity prior to gaining access to the system. This is a federal guideline that is documented in the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Special Publication 800-63.  

Subject: Review of each new user at provider site

Q: Why must the provider’s immunization program review each new user at the provider sites?

A: In an effort to utilize identity proofing activities that are already in place as part of the VFC program, CDC is requiring each provider’s immunization program office to approve any new VTrckS provider users. This decision takes advantage of the provider agreement, the initial site visit for any new VFC provider, and the ongoing relationship between the provider and the provider’s immunization program to eliminate the necessity of an additional external, third-party identity verification activity that would normally be required.

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Subject: Terminate accounts

Q: I have an employee who recently left our office. How do I terminate their account?

A: The provider representative should contact their immunization program within 24 hours to notify them of the change in employment status (the reason for change is not necessary). The immunization program will process your request with CDC.

Subject: Status of my providers

Q: How do I find out the VTrckS status of my providers?

A: Each immunization program will receive reports showing the status of provider users who have been invited to register with SAMS. These reports will show all users who were sent an invitation as well as all users who are active in VTrckS. If additional information is needed beyond these reports or for additional information on this topic, please contact the Vaccine Order Management Contact Center.

Subject: First time log-in

Q: How do I log into VTrckS for the first time?

A: The following steps will outline how one can access VTrckS:
1. Open your browser
2. If you are a grantee, type https://vtrcks-grantee.cdc.gov in the address box. Or, if you are a health care provider, type type https://vtrcks-provider.cdc.gov in the address box.
3. Enter your user name (the e-mail address used to register with SAMS)
4. Enter your password (the password you created while registering with SAMS)

Subject: What need to access

Q: What information do I need to have in order to access VTrckS?

A: You will need to provide your full name, home address, employer’s address, and telephone number to register with SAMS and gain access to VTrckS.

Subject: Time needed for provider to register and access

Q: How long does it take for a provider to register for and gain access to VTrckS?

A: Once you have received the invitation from SAMS, the registration process can be completed in a matter of minutes. Provider staff, via the responsible clinician, should contact their local immunization program to request an invitation. Staff at the provider’s immunization program should contact the Vaccine Order Management Contact Center to request an invitation. If the provider is ready to receive the invitation, the entire process can be resolved in the same day.

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Subject: Forgot user name

Q: I forgot my VTrckS/SAMS user name. Where can I find it?

A: Your user name will be the e-mail address used to register for VTrckS. If you have multiple e-mail addresses and forgot which e-mail address you used and are not able to find an e-mail from CDC’s SAMS system, please contact the SAMS Help Desk. They will ask you questions about your account to confirm your identity and then be able to confirm your username.

Subject: Password expired

Q: My password has expired. How do I change it?

A: Your password will need to be reset every 60 days. The next time you log into SAMS either 10 days prior or after your password expiration, SAMS will first present you with a password change page that will require you to change your password. Once you have changed and saved your new password, you will then be presented with the VTrckS Welcome page. 

Subject: Identity Voucher form

Q: What is an Identity Voucher form?

A: The Identity Voucher form is a document that each VTrckS user at a provider site must complete to verify their identity. This form will need to be completed by the user, verified by the responsible clinician at the provider site, and maintained at the provider site. Copies of this form may be obtained by contacting the local immunization program.

Subject: Fill out Identity Voucher

Q: Why do I need to fill out an Identity Voucher form?

A: This form is used to validate each VTrckS provider user’s physical identity against U.S. government issued photo identification.  This form is required by CDC based on guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Subject: Identification types for Identity Voucher

Q: What identification types are acceptable for use with the Identity Voucher?

A: You may use any U.S. government (state, local, or federal) issued identification that has your name, a recent photograph, and your address or date of birth. A photocopy of the identification is not necessary. Examples include: a state issued drivers license, passport, federal employment badge, military id, etc.

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Subject: Name for account on New User form

Q: I go by my middle name, can I use that on the New User form or does it have to be my first name?

A: You should use the same name that can be found on your U.S. government issued photo identification. 

Subject: Why home address needed

Q: Why is my home address needed for identity proofing?

A: Your home address is used to cross reference the address on your U.S. government issued identification, if applicable and to send a letter acknowledging formal approval for access.

Subject: Transfer offices

Q: I recently transferred from one provider office to another. Do I have to go through the identity proofing process again?

A: No. You do not need to complete identity proofing again as long as your SAMS account is still active. Please contact your immunization program office for further guidance. 

Identity Proofing process or non-technical related queries, call Immunization Program Office.

For technical support with SAMS registration, call SAMS Help Desk; Phone number 877-681-2901 or email samshelp@cdc.gov

For technical support within VTrckS, call Vaccine Order Management Contact Center; Phone number 877-878-6247 or email vaccineordermgmt@cdc.gov

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