­Weekly Vaccine Digest 05/10/2024 Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

County of Los Angeles, California sent this bulletin at 05/10/2024 02:24 PM PDT

­Weekly Vaccine Digest 05/10/2024

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. Attached you will find a pdf version of this document. Additionally, attached are the slides and links presented during Wednesday's LAC DPH Biweekly Office Hours. To view past CDPH recordings, slides and other important information on the VFC, VFA, BAP and LHD 317 programs please visit https://eziz.org/.

If this message was forwarded to you, 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 1-3: May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, VFC COVID-19 Vaccine Supply, Mother’s Day Highlight, BAP: COVID Vaccine Supply Update

·      Page 4-6: Interchangeability of COVID-19 Vaccines for Infants/Toddlers, Vaccines for Children (VFC) Coming Soon to myCAvax, Order Cadence Calendars, Action Required: Update Storage Units in myCAvax, JYNNEOS Updates, Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Storage and Handling Reminder, PEMGARDA (pemivibart) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Updates

·      Page 7-10: Long-Term Care Facility Partner Updates on COVID-19: PEMGARDA™, VFA Ordering, Excursion Report File Size and Type Guidelines, Reminder: Reporting Shipment Incidents in myCAvax, Upcoming Webinars, LACDPH & CDPH Provider Office Hours Link

 

REMINDER: Memorial Day is Monday, May 27. If your site will be closed, please set a temporary closure on your myCAvax accounts during holiday closures at your sites. This will ensure that CDPH can exclude any necessary orders from processing to avoid shipping incidents. If you need assistance with adding or updating a temporary closure, contact the CDPH Provider Call Center ProviderCallCenter@cdph.ca.gov 833-502-1245

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month

The month of May is designated as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the United States, and May 19th is Hepatitis Testing Day. During May, CDC and our public health partners work to shed light on the impact of these hidden epidemics by raising awareness of viral hepatitis while encouraging testing and vaccination.d,,d,d

For more information:

______________________________________________________________________________

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 12, 2024

To help keep pregnant patients and their babies safe, CDPH, CDC, and ACOG recommend these life-saving shots during pregnancy: 

  • Updated COVID-19 vaccine (if not yet received) 
  • Tdap (27-36 weeks of pregnancy, even if received earlier) 
  • Flu vaccine (as soon as available during flu season) 
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine (September – January, between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy) 

Rates of hospitalization for COVD-19 for young infants of unvaccinated mothers has been as high as rates for older adults. These hospitalizations can be prevented by a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.  

 

Despite these benefits, vaccination coverage during pregnancy remains low, particularly in Black pregnant people. CDC’s new campaign From Me, To You, promotes conversations about vaccinations during pregnancy while supporting the rich cultural legacy of Black parenthood.  

 

Thank you for all that you do to promote and encourage vaccinations during pregnancy! Together, we can improve the health of mothers and their babies this Mother’s Day and beyond.  

Resources: 

__________________________________________________________

VFC COVID-19 Vaccine Supply

COVID-19 vaccine for all age groups will continue to be available for provider orders until the end of the 2023-2024 season. However, as manufacturers prepare for the 2024-2025 season VFC Program product availability is expected as follows:

  • Novavax: Latest 2023-2024 expiry is 5/31/2024. This product is no longer available for ordering.
  • Pfizer:
    • Pfizer 6m-4y vaccine (NDC 59267-4315-02) is no longer available for ordering.
    • Pfizer 5-11y - latest 2023-2024 expiry is 8/31/2024. Pfizer estimates supply will run out as soon as end of contract (June 6).
    • Pfizer 12yo+ (refrigerated/never frozen) - latest 2023-2024 expiry is 8/31/2024. Pfizer estimates supply will run out as soon as late May/early June.
  • Moderna: Latest 2023-2024 expiry for 6m-11yo and 12yo+ vaccines is late September or better. Moderna indicates supply sufficient to meet demand between now and when 2024-2025 vaccine is available.

______________________________________________________________________________

BAP: COVID Vaccine Supply Update

As manufacturers prepare for the 2024-2025 season, BAP Program product availability is expected as follows:

  • Novavax: Latest 2023-2024 expiry is Friday, May 31, 2024. This product is no longer available for ordering.
  • Pfizer: 12yo+ (refrigerated/never frozen) - latest 2023-2024 expiry is Saturday, August 31, 2024. Pfizer estimates supply will run out as soon as late May / early June.
  • Moderna: Latest 2023-2024 expiry for 12yo+ vaccines is late September or better. Moderna indicates supply sufficient to meet demand between now and when 2024-2025 vaccine is available.

______________________________________________________________________________

Interchangeability of COVID-19 Vaccines for Infants/Toddlers

  • Children 6 months-4 years should receive all vaccine doses in their initial series from the same manufacturer.
  • If the same vaccine is not available at the vaccination site at the time of the clinic visit, they may receive an age-appropriate COVID-19 vaccine from a different manufacturer. A Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) report is not indicated in these circumstances.
  • Children 6 months-4 years who receive 1 Pfizer-BioNTech and 1 Moderna vaccine dose, should follow a 3-dose schedule, for example:
    • Dose 1: Pfizer
    • Dose 2: if Pfizer isn’t available, Moderna, 4-8 weeks after dose 1
    • Dose 3: Pfizer or Moderna, at least 8 weeks after dose 2
  • For more information:

______________________________________________________________________________

Vaccines for Children (VFC) Coming Soon to myCAvax!

VFC vaccine ordering, and other related VFC activities will go live in myCAvax on Monday, June 10, 2024.

With this transition, myVFCVaccines will no longer serve as your home for ordering VFC vaccine, submitting returns and transfers, and other VFC Program-related activities. In preparation for the move to myCAvax, we ask that all VFC providers make sure Key Practice Staff changes which occurred after your practice completed the 2024 VFC Recertification are reported to VFC. Additionally, verify data logger information is updated in MyVFCvaccines. If any data logger has an expired Certificate of Calibration, update that as soon as possible to prevent any distributions to vaccine ordering. 

The last day to submit a new VFC vaccine order in MyVFCvaccines is Friday, May 24, 2024. If your routine vaccine order is due on or shortly after this date, please consider submitting your order before this cutoff date to prevent any disruptions to your vaccination services. 

 Once live, VFC providers will be able to easily:

  • Report shipping incidents electronically
  • Access practice dashboards
  • View support resources in the Knowledge Center
  • Read important broadcast messages from CDPH upon logging in to myCAvax
  • Centralize many state-funded vaccine programs in one platform

______________________________________________________________________________

Order Cadence Calendars: VFA, BAP, SGF

____________________________________________________________________________

Action Required: Update Storage Units in myCAvax

All providers must update their storage units to indicate which program vaccines are being stored in a given unit. To make this update, you will need to provide the following details: storage unit brand and model, and thermometer model and serial number. Transfers will not function properly for any program in the system unless these updates are made.

If you are a VFA or LHD 317 provider and have not completed recertification yet, these changes can be made during the recertification process.

If you are a BAP, SGF, or Outbreak provider, you can make these changes under the Storage Capacities section of your account. VFA and LHD 317 providers who have already completed recertification can similarly log into their myCAvax account and make the necessary changes under the Storage Capacities section.

______________________________________________________________________________

JYNNEOS Updates

  • Please continue to place orders in myCAvax on a weekly or biweekly basis (or less frequently) according to your clinics' demand.
    • Orders can only be placed for 19 vials or less.
    • If you wish to receive more than 19 vials, please include your desired order size and order justification in the comments section.
  • Jynneos vaccine will still be available for delivery from our LACDPH partner warehouse through July 31st, 2024 or until inventory is depleted..
  • Messages from CDPH regarding Jynneos ordering do not apply to LA County.
  • Reminder: all JYNNEOS vaccine that LACDPH currently has in inventory has expiration date of Oct 31, 2024. There will not be longer dated vaccine available.

Order Commercial JYNNEOS

_____________________________________________________________________________

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Storage and Handling Reminder

  • As manufacturers prepare for the 2024-2025 season and product availability changes, the following serves as a reminder of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine storage and handling. Single dose vials for all age groups
    • Vial for 6m-11yo is overfilled, do not withdraw entire contents of vial when preparing dose
    • Dose for 6m-11yo: 0.25mL
  • Ships frozen between -50°C and -15°C (-58°F and 5°F)
  • Once received, can be stored:
    • Regular freezer: -50°C and -15°C (-58°F and 5°F) until expiration date
    • Refrigerator: 2–8ºC (36-46ºF) Up to 30 days (not to exceed expiration date)

______________________________________________________________________________

PEMGARDA (pemivibart) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Updates

PEMGARDA (pemivibart) is a recombinant monoclonal antibody that has not been approved, but has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under an EUA for the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of COVID-19 in certain adults and adolescent individuals (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg):

  • Who are not currently infected with SARS-CoV-2 and who have not had a known recent exposure to an individual infected with SARS CoV-2 and
  • Who have moderate-to-severe immune compromise due to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments and are unlikely to mount an adequate response to COVID-19 vaccination.

Here is what providers need to know:

  • Initial dose: 4500 mg administered as a single IV infusion over a minimum of 60 minutes.
  • Repeat dose: As above. Repeat dosing can be given every 3 months.
  • Contraindicated in individuals with previous severe hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) to any component of PEMGARDA.
    • For individuals with a severe hypersensitivity reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine, consult with an allergist/immunologist.
  • Please track all serious adverse events and medication errors: 

For more information:

______________________________________________________________________________

Long-Term Care Facility Partner Updates on COVID-19: PEMGARDA™ (Pemivibart), Immunizations, and Test Orders

  1. New monoclonal antibody: On March 22, 2024, Invivyd’s PEMGARDA™(pemivibart) monoclonal antibody received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of COVID-19 in adults and certain adolescents who are not currently infected with or have had recent exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and who have moderate to severe immune compromise and are unlikely to mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. It is important to note that PReP with PEMGARDA™ is NOT a substitute for vaccination. For more information including the EUA and Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet, please refer to the PEMGARDA™ website. PEMGARDA™ is currently available to order from specialty distributors. Please contact the Invivyd Medical Information Department at 1-800-890-3385 or emailmedinfo@invivyd.comfor more information.     
  1. 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations:Previous communicationshighlighted the CDC recommendations to protect against severe  disease: Everyone 6 months and older is recommended for a first dose. People 65 years and older are now recommended for a second dose at least 4 months after the first dose. 
  1. Test orders: Until June 30, 2024, Local Health Departments (LHDs), Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), Elder Care, and Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) are able to request both at-home tests and CLIA-waived professional antigen tests from CDPH.  

At home tests (anticipated expiration dates from 11/2024 - early 2025): 

  • All counties other than Los Angeles: Order at-home tests from CDPH using the At-Home Test Order Form. At-home tests should be prioritized for populations who are uninsured, underinsured, or have poor access to medical care or who are high risk for severe disease.  
  • Los Angeles County organizations can access at-home testing resources through LA County Department of Public Health by visiting LA County At-Home Testing Resources. 

Professional CLIA-waived tests (expiration dates of July 2024). Facilities requesting CLIA-waived tests must have a valid CLIA waiver and State Laboratory License to be eligible. Order CLIA-waived tests from CDPH using the Professional CLIA-Waived Test Order Form. 

  1. Outbreaks:If your facility is experiencing an outbreak, please contact your Local Health Department (LHD).  

More resources are also available on the Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) page. 

 

Additional resources:

______________________________________________________________________________

VFA Vaccine Processing and Shipment

  • VFA sites should allow for up to 2 weeks after order submission for review, processing, and shipment of the order.
  • If vaccine inventory or accountability corrections are needed prior to order approval, VFA Program staff will notify the clinic’s Vaccine Coordinator. Please respond as soon as possible to prevent delays in order approval. Orders needing correction will be held in queue until requested corrections are resolved or orders will expire after 2 weeks of pending corrections.
  • Delivery windows are dependent on provider’s days/hours of operation. Update hours in myCAvax for any holiday or temporary closures.
  • Watch for emails regarding order confirmations, advance shipment notices of vaccine, and temperature monitoring alerts. McKesson does not ship on Fridays and no deliveries are made on Mondays.
  • Orders may ship out sooner than anticipated 'orders shipped' by dates and may arrive earlier than the ‘Estimated Delivery’ dates.

For more information please see the VFA Ordering Letter.

______________________________________________________________________________

Excursion Report File Size and Type Guidelines

Providers must submit temperature data from the past 90 days while reporting Excursion events. The accepted file types are .pdf, .png, and .jpg and the file must be less than 3MB in size.

  • Uploading a file that is too large or in an incorrect format will result in an error.
  • In case you are unable to submit the Excursion report due to the larger file size, upload a reduced file under 3MB to submit the report and upload the larger file(s) post-submission.
  • NOTE: Excursion events for Outbreak Program Jynnneos vaccine should not be reported to myCAvax. Please report via email to the CDPH Provider Call Center.

Contact the CDPH Provider Call Center if you require assistance with uploading the files or have questions about the process. Note that the CDPH Provider Call Center will not be able to clean up any junk data or delete incorrect submissions.

Email: ProviderCallCenter@cdph.ca.gov

Phone: 833-502-1245

__________________________________________________________

Reminder: Reporting Shipment Incidents in myCAvax

Providers are required to report Shipment Incidents in myCAvax as soon as an incident has been discovered for BAP, SGF, LHD 317, and VFA orders. The form can be found in the ‘Shipment Incidents’ tab under the ‘Vaccine Inventory’ dropdown menu in the provider community. Please note: shipping incidents for Outbreak Jynneos vaccine should be reported to CDPH directly not in myCAvax.

 Report any of these issues immediately for resolution:

  • Broken, torn, or tampered with
  • Not ordered / incorrect recipient
  • Out-of-range temperature
  • Package never arrived
  • Previously opened
  • Shipping contents discrepancies

Once the report has been made, CDPH will contact the distributor for a resolution on behalf of the provider. If additional information is needed, CDPH will contact the provider directly. Once a resolution has been given, CDPH will inform the provider via email and post the resolution details in the ‘Guidance/Resolution’ section of the Shipment Incident report.

______________________________________________________________________________

UPCOMING WEBINARS

  • COVID-19: FDA VRBPAC Meeting
    • Thursday, May 16, 2024
  • Creating Accessible Public Health Communications
  • CDPH Infection Prevention Webinar from 3:00 – 4:00 pm
    • When: 4th Wednesday of the month
    • Register here
  • California Immunization Coalition Annual Summit
    • Location: The Safe Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, CA - June 5-6, 2024 Registration Link

 

Slides and recordings from previous CDPH webinars and Office Hours can be found here. _____________________________________________________________________________

LACDPH & CDPH Provider Office Hours Link

LA County Department of Public Health Provider Immunization Office Hours Information

  • Every other Wednesday from 9am-10am – May 22, 2024

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: The next Provider Office Hours will be held next Friday May 17 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