Weekly Vaccine Digest 03/04/2024 Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

County of Los Angeles, California sent this bulletin at 03/04/2024 02:05 PM PST

Weekly Vaccine Digest 03/04/2024

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Dear Colleagues and Partners!

Due to system issues, LACDPH was unable to share our weekly vaccine digest last Friday. Below are the weekly vaccine administration and order updates, upcoming webinars, and newsworthy events from last week. Attached you will find a pdf version of this document. To view past 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: Measles Update, Order and Administration Reminders

·      Page 2-3: Pfizer Storage Reminders, COVID-19 Vaccine Update: All Adults 65+

·      Page 4-5: Preteen Vaccine Week 2024, Shingles Awareness Week

·      Page 5-6: AB 659 Cancer Act, MPOX Vaccinator Staffing Resources

·      Pages 7-8: Upcoming Webinars, myCAvax Release 45, LACDPH & CDPH Provider Office Hours Link

Measles Update

Key Messages Since January 31st, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has been investigating a confirmed measles case in a resident with multiple potential sites of exposure to others. This is the first case in LA County since 2020.

  • LA County healthcare providers should be on alert for additional measles cases.
  • Healthcare providers should 1) assure that their patients are up to date on measles-containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV) or are otherwise immune, 2) immunize all international travelers aged 6 months or older for whom there is no documentation of immunity, and 3) immediately report suspect measles to Public Health.
  • All healthcare personnel should have documentation of immunity to measles.

 

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. About 9 out of 10 people who are not protected will become infected following exposure to the measles virus. It spreads through the air when a person with measles coughs or sneezes. Measles starts with a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and fever. Then a rash of red spots breaks out.

 

Share messages reminding Californians to make sure they and their children are up to date on the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine and other recommended routine vaccines, including flu and COVID-19, especially before travel. Learn more about measles activity in California. Learn more about routine vaccines. Visit the Don’t Wait—Vaccinate! Communications Toolkit (updated).

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Order and Administration Reminders

  • Please submit your vaccine orders by Monday at 5:00 pm to receive your vaccine order the following week. 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.
  • 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: 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 here.
  • UPDATED: BAP Eligibility Resource can be found here
  • CA BAP Program Requirements can be found here.
  • Additional BAP Resources can be found here.
  • CAIR REMINDER: CAIR Registry ID's - Under AB 1797, vaccine providers are required to enter here. immunization information into the California Immunization Registry (CAIR).
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus fact sheet can be found here
  • Immunization Fact Sheet: RSV niservimab can be found here

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Pfizer Storage Reminders

The CDC replaced the Pfizer 12y+ Single-Dose Vials - 10 pack presentation with Pfizer’s new refrigerated 12y+ vaccine (NCD 0069-2377-10), a new presentation in a carton of 10 manufacturer-filled syringes (MFS).

Reminders about the new presentation include:

  • This new presentation MUST BE STORED BETWEEN 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Do NOT store at ultra-cold or standard freezer temperatures.
  • This new presentation comes in pre-filled syringes made of glass. Be careful when storing and transporting these glass syringes to avoid breakage.
  • Despite the transition to the refrigerated Comirnaty, providers who have the original Pfizer 12y+ vaccine on hand can and should continue to use this product until it is consumed, expired, or has been stored at 2°C - 8°C for longer than the allowable 10 weeks.
  • These manufacturer-filled syringes can be used through the expiration date printed on the carton and syringe labels. This Refrigerator-stable product can be used for up to 6 months from date of manufacture to the expiration date. The 10-week beyond-use date (BUD) for refrigerator storage does not apply.
  • This guidance applies to this presentation ONLY. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 6m-4y and 5-11y, which are shipped to providers in CDC’s programs directly from Pfizer on dry ice and can be stored at either at ultracold temperatures until expiry or up to 10 weeks at 2-8C.
  • Of note: Pfizer will continue to allow providers to privately order the original manufacturer-filled single-dose vials for age 12yrs+. Therefore, providers may have BOTH presentations – Pre-filled Syringe (PFS) with a 10-week BUD and PFS that can be used through the expiration date in their storage units. If this occurs, providers should educate staff on the different storage requirements and strategies to prevent potential errors.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Update: All Adults 65+ Recommended

to Get Additional COVID-19 Vaccine

CDC now recommends that all adults ages 65 years and older receive an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID19 vaccine dose to help protect against severe disease from COVID-19. For more information, see CDC’s press release.

More information is expected regarding clinical considerations. At this time, dose interval between the first dose and the booster is unknown.

Change to the Pfizer Diluent

Beginning this week, Pfizer has changed the diluent pack size associated with CDC orders of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula) for ages 6 months through 4 years of age [59267-4315-02; COVID-19(Pfizer);(6m-4y); MDV3;10-pk]. Previously, vaccine orders for this presentation were supplied with diluent in a 10-pack.  Beginning this week, Pfizer will supply diluent in a 25-pack.  Please note: One vial of diluent is required to reconstitute one multidose vial of vaccine for individuals 6 months through 4 years of age. For questions about diluent received with Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula) for ages 6 months through 4 years of age, please contact Pfizer customer service at: 1-800-666-7248, or mrnavaccines@pfizer.com.

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Preteen Vaccine Week 2024

This year’s Preteen Vaccine Week is March 4-8, 2024. The first day of the campaign, March 4, is also International HPV Awareness Day. Join partners across the state as we raise awareness about the HPV vaccine that can prevent 90% of cancers caused by HPV, as well as other vaccines that help protect preteens against meningitis, whooping cough, flu, and COVID-19. Find the Preteen Vaccine Week campaign toolkit, patient education, infographics, and more on the campaign webpage. Posting on social media using the suggested messages is an easy way for your organization to participate!

We invite you to start thinking now about back-to-school vaccines for preteens. Use the strategies below to help make sure your preteen patients are up to date on vaccines and ready for 7th grade and to prevent the back-to-school rush that many clinics and families face as the new school year approaches.   

  1. Use the immunization registry and your EHR to identify children who missed well-child visits and/or recommended vaccinations. (See the CAIR Reminder/Recall User Guide.)
  2. Reach out to schedule in-person appointments using a Robocall Script, letter, or text.
  3. Plan back-to-school immunization clinics at convenient times for working parents, including weekends and evenings.
  4. Administer needed vaccines at ALL visits, not just well-child checks.
  5. Designate a certain number of “immunization-only” appointments each day leading up to school entry.  

Use these educational materials to supplement your strong vaccine recommendations. Remind patients that they can access their digital vaccination records as proof of vaccination for school entry. 

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National HPV Awareness Day

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  • Reminder: The California Immunization Registry (CAIR) forecasts initiation of the HPV vaccine series starting at age 9 years, consistent with guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. This shows as an alert stating, “Patient is eligible for Earliest Date option for HPV Vaccine,” for 9- and 10-year-old patients in CAIR. The earliest valid dose of HPV vaccine in CAIR is 9 years, HPV vaccine is due at 11-12 years, and is considered overdue at 13+ years.
  • Reminder: Assembly Bill No. 659 – the Cancer Prevention Act (Effective January 1, 2024): Requires schools to notify parents or guardians about HPV vaccine recommendations beginning in 6th grade.
  • HPV Vaccine Best Practices
  1. Start HPV vaccination at age 9
  2. Strong healthcare professional recommendation is the strongest facilitator for HPV vaccination
  3. Clinic-level strategies, get leadership on board and involve the whole team
  4. Focus on cancer prevention, keep message consistent and accurate
  5. Standing Orders – use every opportunity to vaccinate
  6. Use reminders/recalls
  7. Implement messaging into everyday practice (posters, health education, optimize EHR)
  8. Use Motivational Interviewing Techniques when speaking with patients and/or their parents/guardians
  9. Implement messaging into everyday practice (posters, health education, optimize EHR) Use Motivational Interviewing Techniques when speaking with patients and/or their parents/guardians

 

Resources for Providers:

 

Resources for Patients and their Families:

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Shingles Awareness Week

It’s Shingles Awareness Week! Join us this last week of February in efforts to protect your patients against shingles.  

Shingles is a painful infection caused by the herpes zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox), which can reactivate after years of inactivity in the body. Approximately 1 million people in the U.S. get shingles each year. Older or immunocompromised adults are more likely to be hospitalized due to shingles. 

Shingles vaccine is more than 90% effective against shingles and related complications for at least seven years. CDC recommends two doses for adults who are immunocompromised or 50 years and older. Shingles vaccine is covered by most private insurance, Medi-Cal, and Medicare Part D (with no co-pay). Prevent shingles and encourage your patients to get vaccinated today! 

Promote vaccination by sharing this new ShotbyShot video (5:40 minutes) about Kristine’s experience with shingles. Use Kristine’s infographic to post on social media to boost shingles awareness along with these resources: 

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AB 659 The Cancer Prevention Act

  • New amendment for the Health and Safety Code and Education Code to help reduce the burden of cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Effective January 1, 2024, the Cancer Prevention Act requires:
  • Every public and private school notify 6th grade students and their parents/guardians that they are advised to follow current HPV immunization guidelines before starting 8th grade.
    • Students who are 26 years of age or younger be advised to follow current HPV immunization guidelines before enrollment in college.
    • Additional HPV vaccination coverage requirements for the Department of Managed Health Care.

AB 659 Resources

CDPH posted a letter to schools that shares the resources below:

HPV Vaccine Schedule job aid can be found here.

Preteen Vaccination Week (PVW) campaign can be found here

AB 659 Cancer Prevention Act can be found here

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MPOX Vaccinator Staffing Resources

To support efforts to reduce the spread of mpox, the California Department of Public Health is making turnkey vaccination teams available at no cost to Local Health Departments and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) based on availability and equitable selection process.

These staff are intended to supplement, rather than augment, existing resources and increase Local Health Jurisdictions’ (LHJ) ability to vaccinate and protect our communities.

Turnkey teams provide staff with all necessary PPE and ancillary supplies, except vaccine product which must be supplied by the LHJ. Teams can provide other supplies like tables, tents, and chairs if needed and administer at least 100 doses in an 8-hour span with a team of 4 staff.

For large events, more staff may be provided. CBOs are expected to support event planning, marketing and logistics with the vendor and may be asked to provide technical assistance and staffing support for line management and client flow.

Overview of Staffing Resources

  • Staffing Model Supported: At this time, CDPH is providing short term turnkey staffing teams.
  • Staff Scope: Mpox staff can only be used to support Mpox vaccine administration, these staff should not provide vaccines of other kinds, including COVID.
  • Staffing Types: Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), and Administrative Staff

Requesting Resources

  • Requests should be submitted at least 7-10 business days before staff are needed onsite.
  • CDPH encourages CBOs interested in hosting an event to coordinate directly with their LHJ to complete the site request survey. CBOs can also complete the site request form

For additional information or any questions contact your local health jurisdiction or the CDPH turnkey events team. More information can also be found on the CDPH website here.

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UPCOMING WEBINARS

  • CDPH Infection Prevention Webinar
    • Webinar registration links for Webex can be found here.
  • CDPH Webinar: California Prenatal Screening Program
    • Wednesday March 6, 2024, 5PM-6:30PM
    • Registration link can be found here.
  • Equity-Centered Community Engagement by Public Health Departments: Lessons from the Field
    • Tuesday March 12, 2024, 2PM-3:15PM
    • Registration link can be found here.
  • Pediatric Information Session: Adolescents immunization updates and strategies to increase HPV vaccination
    • Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 12PM-1PM
    • Meeting registration can be found here

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myCAvax Release 45 (February 20,2024)

All providers must:

  • Enter the storage unit’s brand, model, the thermometer’s model, and serial number and specify the vaccine stored (by Program name) in the unit while updating storage unit records
  • Have at least one backup thermometer entered in the system while creating / updating storage units

All providers can:

  • View the new warning message to upload the thermometer’s certificate of calibration in the ‘Uploaded Documents’ tab when updating the thermometer type, model, serial number, or calibration expiration date
  • View the updated ‘Returns and Waste’ label on the options / buttons instead of ‘Waste’
  • View the ‘Inventory On-Hand’ group header updated to ‘Accountability under the ‘On-Hand Inventory’ tab on vaccine order records
  • Receive email communications when their thermometer’s calibration expiration date is due or has passed the due date
  • Use the new and updated multi-line transfer entry form introducing the new ‘Transport Container’ feature enabling them to enter multiple products in a single transfer entry

Providers enrolled in the Vaccines for Adults (VFA) / LHD 317 program can:

  • View the new ‘Vaccines for Adults / LHD 317’ program tile on the home page
  • Begin recertification by clicking the ‘Recertify Locations’ button visible in the ‘Vaccines for Adults / LHD 317’ program tile
  • Enter / submit VFA / LHD 317 vaccine orders from the ‘VFA / 317 Order Request’ page; only one order can be placed during an ordering period

Note: Vaccine orders in the ‘Draft’ and ‘Corrections Needed’ statuses expire automatically after 14 days from the last modified date.

  • Enter VFA / LHD 317 Returns and Waste Events from the ‘VFA / LHD 317 Returns and Waste Events’ page
  • Enter VFA / LHD 317 Excursions from the ‘VFA / LHD 317 Excursions’ page
  • Enter VFA / LHD 317 Shipment Incidents from the ‘VFA / LHD 317 Shipment Incidents’ page
  • Enter VFA / LHD 317 Vaccine Transfers from the ‘VFA / LHD 317 Transfers’ page
  • Receive email communications when their order gets approved or requires corrections
  • Update and resubmit a vaccine order when the ‘Corrections Needed’ status has been set by the Customer Service Representative (CSR) following their review
  • View the new ‘Total Order Cost’ field on the ‘Order and Transfer Item’ records

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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 – March 13, 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, RSV and Measles 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 or be added to our Office Hours listserv, 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

  • NOTE: CDPH Provider Office Hours will be moving to a biweekly cadence. The next Provider Office Hours will be held this Friday March 8, 2024 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