Weekly Vaccine Digest 01/19/2024 Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

County of Los Angeles, California sent this bulletin at 01/19/2024 04:47 PM PST

Weekly Vaccine Digest 01/19/2024

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Dear Colleagues and Partners!

Below are the LACDPH weekly vaccine administration and order updates, upcoming webinars, and newsworthy events to close out the year. Attached you will find a pdf version of this document, links from today’s CDPH and LACDPH Office Hours. Also attached are slides from LACDPH’s office hours. To view the CDPH recordings, slides and other important information please visit https://eziz.org/.  

 

If you received this email and would like to be added to our listserv, please contact our COVID-19 Provider Vaccine Call Center at covidvaccinereq@ph.lacounty.gov

Table of Contents

·      Page 1-2: Administration Reminders, 2024 Immunization Schedules, Trivalent Influenza Vaccine and Update on Billing for Pharmacists Prescribing Paxlovid

·      Page 3-4: VFC, VFC/VFA Recertification and training, ABRYSVO and RSV

·      Page 5-6: CAIR, MyTurn Release 47, 2024-2025 VFC Flu Vaccine Pre-book, VAXNEUVANCET

·      Pages 7: McKesson COVID-19 Vaccine Shipping Update, Upcoming Webinars, LACDPH & CDPH Provider Office Hours Link

Order and Administration Reminders

  • Please submit your vaccine orders by Monday at 5:00 pm to receive your vaccine order the following week.
  • The CAIR Quick Entry feature in My Turn allows users to submit, view, and edit vaccine administration data for most vaccines to Immunization Information Systems (IIS)
  • Orders submitted after Monday at 5:00 pm may take an additional week to deliver.
  • Please order a 1–2-week supply of COVID-19 vaccine through myCAvax and re-order as necessary as you assess patient demand.
  • REMINDER: February BAP Holiday Shipping Cadence can be found here.
  • REMINDER: January SGF Flu Holiday Shipping Cadence can be found here.
  • The DPH warehouse delivers vaccine 3-7 business days after the order is placed in myCAvax. Please present a photo ID (work badge, school ID, driver’s license, etc.) and sign for the delivery when received.
  • REMINDER: If a Shipment Incident results in a Temperature Excursion, providers should always report the Shipment Incident first. CDPH will determine if the vaccine should be reported as waste and then they will inform the provider.
  • VFC providers should report temperature excursions and waste events in myVFCvaccines
  • BAP and SGF providers should report temperature excursions and waste events in myCAvax
  • Outbreak (mpox/Jynneos) providers should NOT report temperature excursions in myCAvax, but all waste events should be recorded in myCAvax in vials NOT doses.
  • Note: Expired or spoiled Jynneos vaccine does NOT need to be returned to LAC DPH or the manufacturer. Ignore the “Return Shipping Method” section when reporting a waste event and leave it as the default. That section is only for providers in counties besides LA County.
  • REMINDER: Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are all available for ordering through myCAvax for Bridge Access Program (BAP) providers and through myVFCvaccines for Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers VFC providers may only report through myVFCvaccines.
  • VFC providers that report in the wrong system (myCAvax) should contact the Provider Call Center at ProviderCallCenter@cdph.ca.gov or call (833) 502-1245 for guidance on removing or updating the incorrect report BAP providers may only report through myCAvax.
    • BAP providers that report in the wrong system (myVFCvaccines) should contact the VFC Call Center at myVFCvaccines@cdph.ca.gov or call (877) 243-8832 for guidance on removing or updating the incorrect report
    • REMINDER: Job aid for Vaccine and Clinic Eligibility by Funding Source can be found 
    • UPDATED: Bap Eligibility Resource can be found here
    • CA BAP Program Requirements can be found  here.
    • Additional BAP Resources can be found here.
    • NOTE: CAIR/RIDE Registry ID's - Under AB 1797, vaccine providers are required to enter here    immunization information into the California Immunization Registry (CAIR).
  •  VFC Providers without an immunization registry ID will not be able to move forward with 2024 Recertification.
  • CAIR webinar slides and recordings regarding AB 1797 are available at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip/trainingsconferences.htm
  • NOTE:V-safe for RSV Vaccines in Older Adults Now Available
  • V-safe now available for adults 60 years and older who received RSV vaccine
  • V-safe is also available for pregnant people who received RSV vaccine
  • V-safe is a safety monitoring system that lets you share with CDC how you, or your dependent, feel after getting an RSV vaccine.
  • Using V-safe after RSV vaccination requires a new registration.
  • Please encourage your patients to participate.
  • CDC V-safe
  • V-safe print materials
  • Covid-19 Vaccine Fact Sheets can be found here.
  • Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Resources:
  • Novavax at a Glance (CDC, 10/31/23)
  • Storage & BUD Tracking Labels (CDC, 10/18/23)
  • Standing Orders (CDC, 10/31/23)
  • Expiry Checker (Novavax)
  • Temperature Excursion Checker (Novavax)
  • CDC Resources by Product
  • CDPH Office of Communications Job Aid: Pregnancy and Immunizations. English and Spanish.______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

2024-2025 VFC Flu Vaccine Pre-Book

  • The VFC Flu Pre-Book is now live and can be accessed when you log in to your myVFCvaccines account!
  • VFC Provider Deadline: February 2, 2024
  • CDC Pre-Book due date: February 9, 2024
  • Final individual pre-book confirmation emails will be sent to providers after we receive CDC’s approval of our CA pre-book.
  • Prebooking is the first of three phases of the 2024-2025 VFC flu vaccine order process and will be providers’ ONLY chance to provide Flu Product brand preference AND the number of doses needed next season.
  • Expected 2024-2025 Flu Vaccine Products
  • Actual products that will be available for 2024-2025 VFC Flu Ordering will be dependent upon demand, product availability, and doses approved by the CDC.
  • Changes for next season: Fluarix will not be on the CDC pediatric contract but will be on the CDC adult contract.
  • FluLaval remains on the CDC pediatric contract but will not be on the CDC adult contract.
  • 2024 – 2025 PRE-BOOK PROCESS
    • Step 1 - Review your current seasonal influenza data to determine your flu vaccine need for the entire season
    • Step 2 - Utilize the VFC Flu Vaccine Pre-Book Worksheet (IMM 1454) to prepare your request prior to accessing the online pre-book form.
    • Step 3 – Log-in to your MyVFCvaccines account and click on the “Pre-book Flu Vaccine for 2024-2025” button.
    • Step 4 – Allocate Seasonal Doses by Age Groups Served and Brand Preference
    • Step 5 – Submit your 2024-2025 VFC flu vaccine pre-book by Friday, February 2, 2024.

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2024 Immunization Schedules

▪ RSV immunizations for infants, pregnant people, and older adults

▪ PCV20 for children ▪ Pentavalent meningococcal vaccine

▪ Mpox vaccine

▪ Updates to COVID-19, influenza, and polio vaccine recommendations

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Trivalent Influenza Vaccine

  • Current influenza vaccines are quadrivalent and contain 2 influenza A and 2 influenza B strains.
  • Given low levels of circulation of B/Yamagata influenza virus, experts have recommended that this strain be removed. This would result in a trivalent flu vaccine.
  • We may see both trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines during the 2024-2025 influenza season.
  • If both trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines are available, both will be recommended.
  • Trivalent and quadrivalent flu vaccines have similar safety profiles and are expected to offer similar protection.

  •  For more information, see here: B/Yamagata and Flu Vaccines Summary |CDC; Trivalent versus Quadrivalent Vaccines | CDC

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Update on Billing for Pharmacists Prescribing Paxlovid

  • Business and Professions Code 4052.04 states a pharmacist may furnish COVID-19 oral therapeutics following a positive test for SARS-CoV-2.
  • Claims for reimbursement of the professional dispensing fee and ingredient cost must be submitted to Medi-Cal Rx for processing.
  • Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) will reimburse pharmacists for the prescribing (consultation and assessment of need for treatment) of all Paxlovid products.
  • Claims must continue to be billed to DHCS as a medical claim on a CMS-1500 form as a Pharmacist Service.
  • Use CPT codes 99202 (new patient) and 99212 (existing patient);
  • Eligible claims must have an ICD-10-CM diagnosis code, U07.1 (COVID-19).
  • DHCS is extending the temporary allowance to allow billing with these CPT codes from the end of the PHE (May 11, 2023) through September 30, 2024.

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VFC & VFA RECERTIFICATION

  • Due date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024
  • Annual 2024 Recertification is through myVFCvaccines
  • Annual Recertification and Training is a federal requirement to maintain active status in the VFC Program and receive publicly purchased vaccines.
  • VFA Providers will do a 2nd “Recertification” in myCAvax when those programs transition in February 2024.
  • Update Key Practice Staff for the adult programs
  • POR to sign updated 2024 VFA Provider Agreement

VFA Recertification

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VFC

  • BeyfortusTM VFC Ordering Update
  • All VFC providers may order 50mg and 100 mg doses of Nirsevimab (BeyfortusTM) in limited quantities.
  • Doses approved will be based on ordering history of index routine infant vaccines (hepatitis B vaccine birth doses for hospitals, first doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for all other providers).
  • Providers who have previously requested and received nirsevimab may request additional doses. Nirsevimab re-orders will be approved based on usage and on-hand inventory of nirsevimab, as well as available supply.
  • If more doses are needed, please include information in the comments section of your order form
  • Current limits and eligibility are subject to change based on supply

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ABRYSVO

  • Available for VFC Ordering this month:
  • RSV vaccine ABRYSVO (NDC: 00069-0344-01) is provided through the VFC Program in a 1-pack, 1-dose vial.
  • The minimum order quantity is 1 dose.
  • ABRYSVO™ is recommended for pregnant people during 32 through 36 weeks gestation, using seasonal administration (Sept – January), to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract infection in infants
  • Given the small size of the eligible population and the recommended window for vaccination, the amount of vaccine available within the VFC program is modest. As a result, CDC has allocated doses to each state.

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RSV

  • CDPH Respiratory Virus Dashboard is now Live
  • Interactive display allows the viewer to track influenza and COVID-19 side by side
  • Scroll down for more detailed views
  • ICU bed availability is also tracked
  • All views statewide for now
  • Urgent Need: Increase Respiratory Virus Immunization Coverage
  • Vaccine coverage is low for all recommended respiratory vaccines
  • Recommend and administer immunizations to prevent severe illness.
  • Everyone 6 months and older to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinesand get a seasonal flu vaccine. 
  • RSV immunizations are now available for infants and young children, pregnant people and adults 60 years and older. 
  • Fall and Winter 2023-2024 Immunizations guide can be found here.
  • RSV Summary
  • Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV hospitalizations are increasing
  • Infants and older adults are at high risk of severe disease from respiratory viruses
  • Urgent need to continue immunization efforts to prevent severe illness this season. Your strong recommendation is critical!
  • Remember to treat COVID-19 and influenza, especially for high-risk individuals
  • Recent data supports effectiveness of immunizations to prevent severe illness
  • Limited Opportunities Remain to Prevent Severe RSV - Order, Use, Reorder Remaining Supplies of Nirsevimab ASAP!
  • Ordering or reordering: VFC Program:
  • 50 mg and 100 mg doses of nirsevimab available now!
  • For private market check with distributors

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McKesson COVID-19 Vaccine Shipping Update

  • Beginning this week, McKesson will temporarily be using one of two different warm temperature monitors for vaccine shipmen. Coolers may contain the familiar 3M monitor or may contain a new monitor, SpotSee.
  • This temporary change in temperature monitors will be in place until approximately Feb 1 when a new and improved temperature monitor will be used for refrigerated shipments. See Supplemental Resource on Temporary Loggers, Provided by McKesson for additional support.
  • Both the 3M monitor and SpotSee monitor are one-time use only and should be disposed of once the vaccine has been properly stored.
  • Please follow the same process for checking for any temperature excursions and follow the directions on the information card specific to the monitor received.

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Recall of Merck’s VAXNEUVANCET

  • In July 2023, Merck and the VFC Program had previously sent notices about a voluntary recall of certain lots of VAXNEUVANCE vaccine.
  • Merck is expanding the voluntary recall for VAXNEUVANCE due to customer reports of breakage at the syringe flange and/or hub.
  • This voluntary partial recall is specific to defects in the syringe and is not related to a quality or safety concern with the vaccine substance manufactured by Merck that is inside the syringe.
  • Details about this recall are included in the notification packet that Merck is sending to all providers who received vaccine from one or more of the recalled lots, with specific instructions on returning remaining products.
  • If already administered, are the recalled lots considered a valid dose?
  • Any administered doses of the recalled lots would still be considered valid. Merck’s recall is regarding  the syringe breakage and not about the quality of the vaccine itself.
  •  How should providers account for the recalled vaccine?
  • Since the recalled lots should be returned to Merck via Sedgwick, VFC Providers will not be able to return the vaccines as they would other VFC vaccines. Instead, please submit a Wastage Form through your myVFCvaccines account to report these doses as non-usable but cannot be returned to the VFC Program.
  • If you received one of the recalled lots, how can you receive more vaccine?
  • You can place a supplemental vaccine order on myVFCvaccines to request more VAXNEUVANCE® vaccine. If your last order was more than 30 days ago, please include your full vaccine inventory for your other available vaccines on your order form to help with vaccine accountability.

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UPCOMING WEBINARS

  • Project ECHO* Webinar
  • Topic: Respiratory Viruses in Older Californians: Epidemiology Update When: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Time: 12PM – 1PM, PT Registration Information: Register Here
  • California Primary Care Association Webinar
  • Topic: Immunization Recommendations During Pregnancy When: Thursday, January 25, 2024 Time: 12PM – 1PM, PT Cost: This webinar is sponsored by the CDPH Adult Immunization grant. Registration Instructions: Register Here
  • INTRO TO BUILDING IMPACT: YOUR HPI TOOLKIT
  • Topic: Presenters will review recommended immunizations during pregnancy, including newer RSV vaccines, and best practices for implementing and promoting prenatal immunizations. Participants will also learn, from a health center presenter, practical strategies for immunizing pregnant patients. Register for January 23, 2024, 1:00 to 2:00 PM

 

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LACDPH & CDPH Provider Office Hours Link

  • LA County Department of Public Health Provider Immunization Office Hours Information
  • Every other Wednesday from 9am-10am - Next meeting: 1/31/2024
    • NOTE: Effective 2/01/23 the Office Hours will be held on a biweekly basis
  • This has been meeting amended to discuss COVID, Mpox, Flu and RSV vaccines. The meeting link will remain the same.
  • MS Teams meeting link below; please create a recurring calendar invite with this link.
  • To request meeting slides, please email covidvaccinereq@ph.lacounty.gov
  • Microsoft Teams meeting
  • Join on your computer or mobile app
  • Click here to join the meeting
  • Or call in (audio only)
  • +1 323-776-6996,,350547595#   United States, Los Angeles
  • Phone Conference ID: 350 547 595#
  •  
  • California Department of Public Health Provider Office Hours Registration Link
  • Every Friday from 9am-10:30am.
  • Complete one-time registration here.
  • Meeting recordings and slides can be found here.
  • Providers should add staff names to the Provider Listserv to receive weekly emails and updates. To be added, please email blanca.corona@cdph.ca.gov