Weekly Vaccine Digest 05/24/2024 Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

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.

 

For more information:

• CDC Hepatitis Awareness Month

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Are you Ready for the Move? (VFC Transition to myCAvax)

CDPH is aligning all publicly funded programs (including VFC) to one single system – myCAvax. 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.

 

With the transition from MyVFCvaccines to myCAvax quickly approaching, please be aware of the following important dates:

 

TODAY - Friday, May 24, 2024:

• Ensure your vaccine coordinator information is up to date in MyVFCvaccines by COB today. This information will be used to set up your VFC account in myCAvax.
• Submit orders in MyVFCvaccines if you anticipate needing doses during the blackout period (May 27 – June 10).
• Submit transfers, waste, returns, and storage and handling incidents into MyVFCvaccines alongside orders.
• Update storage units.
• If order corrections are needed, promptly submit corrections as requested by the VFC program.
• During the blackout period, maintain documentation for excursions (transfers, returns, or waste) and have them ready to enter in myCAvax when the system goes live on June 10.
• Contact the VFC Customer Service Center for urgent shipping incidents.

Monday, June 10, 2024:

• The VFC program will launch in myCAvax.
• Conduct all VFC account management activities in myCAvax from June 10^th moving forward, including: submitting orders, returns, transfers, updating storage units, etc.
• Do not log in to MyVFCvaccines to manage or order VFC vaccine from June 10^th moving forward.

Webinars:

Visit this page to register for upcoming webinars related to the system transition.

• Webinar topics will include navigating myCAvax for brand new users, vaccine ordering in myCAvax, vaccine management in myCAvax, and office hours

 

For more information on the transition see our EZIZ page and view our Provider Checklist for detailed steps to take!

 

Q & A:

Q: My site has an inactive myCAvax account, but the vaccine coordinators in myCAvax are different than for VFC. Will the account be automatically activated on June 10? Will the vaccine coordinators from MyVFCvaccines automatically be updated in myCAvax?

• The primary and backup coordinators from MyVFCvaccines will be added into myCAvax and automatically activated during the launch on June 10.

Q: I had a myCAvax login from when I had to order COVID-19 vaccines previously.  Will I need to get new login credentials?

• No, your credentials will remain the same. You will see a VFC Program tile added to your home page.

Q: Do we need to request a new log in or will we be emailed?

• You will be emailed - we will set them up automatically.

Q: My current log in for myCAvax is deactivated. Will it be activated prior to June 10th? Should I send an email to reactivate?

• No, we will automatically reactive those user accounts if you are listed as a primary or backup for the VFC program.

Q: I am listed as primary/backup VFC coordinator for multiple sites. Will I have access through one myCAvax account or will I have multiple myCAvax accounts created for each VFC account?

• If all of those sites are part of one organization, you will use one set of credentials to access all of them.

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Nominate Your Immunization Champion for the Immunization Champion Award!

The Association of Immunization Managers has opened up nominations for the Immunization Champion Award, honoring individuals going above and beyond to foster and/or promote immunization in their communities. Please see the details below and submit your nominations! 

 

Nominate Your Immunization Champion for the Immunization Champion Award!

This message marks the launch of the nomination period for the Immunization Champion Award! We look forward to receiving your nominations and selecting a 2024 Immunization Champion for California. The Immunization Champion Award is a national award program hosted by the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) and honors individuals going above and beyond to foster and/or promote immunization in their communities.

 

Access the nomination form here. Nominations will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Friday, June 21, 2024. Please share this email with your networks. (Note that the deadline on AIM’s site does not apply to California’s nominations.) Completed nomination forms must be sent directly to the California Immunization Program at MyVFCVaccines@cdph.ca.gov, subject line, “IZ Champion.”

 

Individuals can be recognized for their work in childhood, adolescent, or adult vaccines and are selected based on their demonstration of leadership, collaboration, innovation, and advocacy.

• Eligible nominees include healthcare professionals (i.e., pharmacists, physicians, nurses, physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants), nonprofit leaders, community activists, parents, school and education leaders, coalition members, community-based organization members, and immunization partners.
• Ineligible people include immunization program managers; county, state, and federal government employees paid by state or federal immunization funding; individuals who have been affiliated with and/or employed by pharmaceutical companies; individuals who have already received the award; and groups of people.

Completed nomination forms must be sent directly to the California Immunization Program at MyVFCVaccines@cdph.ca.gov, subject line, “IZ Champion.” We look forward to receiving your nominations. Please refer to thenomination packet for full details on nomination guidelines and criteria.

 

Read here for information about California’s 2023 Immunization Champion, Dr.Silvia Diego.

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COVID-19: FDA VRBPAC Meeting Postponed

• Now, June 5, 2024: the FDA Vaccines and Related Biologic Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) will meet to discuss and make recommendations on the selection of strain(s) to be included in the 2024-2025 Formula for COVID-19 vaccines.
  • This new date will allow for additional time to obtain surveillance data and other information so VRBPAC will have more up-to-date information when discussing and making recommendations. FDA does not anticipate that the date change will impact COVID-19 vaccine availability for the Fall.
• June 26-28, 2024: CDC ACIP anticipated to review and vote on recommendations for 2024-25 season
• Late Summer – Fall: 2024-25 vaccine anticipated to be available for use

FDA VRBPAC Meeting Announcement (rescheduled 6/5/24)

ACIP Meeting 2/28/24: COVID-19 vaccine policy and next steps (cdc.gov)

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New Refrigerated Pfizer 12+ COVID-19 Vaccine Packing List Information

Please note that Pfizer has begun to use a new Packing List with the 12+ COVID-19 Never Frozen shipments.  As seen in the screen shot below, this packing list contains information

listed on it showing the date and time by which the product should be received.  If the shipment is not received within the stated time on packing list, there are instructions for the recipient to contact Pfizer Customer Service to determine product viability.

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Immunizations Before Summer Travel

Immunization of families heading abroad is critical to protect them against measles, pertussis, and other diseases causing recent outbreaks. Recall patients that are falling behind on these vaccinations. Also, don’t forget to protect young children 6-11 months who are about to travel abroad with a recommended accelerated dose of MMR.

 

Encourage your patients to get caught up on any immunizations at least a month before travel. If you do not stock certain travel vaccines, direct patients to a travel medical clinic.

 

• Measles and Travel
• Destination List and Immunizations Required (CDC)
• Immunizations for Travel (CDC)
• Don’t Wait—Vaccinate! toolkit (CDPH)

• Visiting Another Country? Think Measles (before + after) poster

| Russian | Spanish | Tagalog| Ukrainian| Other Languages

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Increase in Invasive Serogroup Y Meningococcal Disease in the U.S. (3/28/24 CDC Health Advisory) and suggested dosing

Healthcare providers should:

1) Have a heightened suspicion for meningococcal disease, particularly among populations disproportionately affected: ages 30-60y, Black/African American, people living with HIV.

2) Be aware that patients may present without symptoms typical of meningitis, and

3) Ensure that all people recommended for meningococcal vaccination, including people with HIV, are up to date for meningococcal vaccines.

• Incidence rates of meningococcal disease have declined in the United States since the 1990s and remain low
• Incidence decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic and is returning to pre-pandemic levels in California and the US
• The proportion of serogroup Y cases is also increasing in California, but the increase is general (no disproportionately affected groups observed so far in California)

Pentavalent Meningococcal Vaccine (MenACWY-MenB) Penbraya Available

• Suggested routine dosing:
  • Dose 1 (11-12 yrs)= Menveo (MenACWY-CRM) or MenQuadfi (MenACWY-TT)
  • Dose 2 (16-18 yrs) = Penbraya (MenACWY-TT/MenB-FHbp)
  • Dose 3 (16-18 yrs, ≥6 months after dose 2) = Trumenba (MenB-FHbp)

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Storage & Handling Penbraya

PENBRAYA

• PENBRAYA is supplied in a kit that includes:
  • a vial of Lyophilized MenACWY Component (NDC 0069-0271-01)
  • a prefilled syringe containing MenB Component (NDC 0069-0332-01)
  • a vial adapter
  • The Lyophilized MenACWY Component is reconstituted with the MenB component toform a single dose of PENBRAYATM
  • A single dose after reconstitution is approximately 0.5 mL
  • PENBRAYA is supplied in cartons of 1, 5, and 10 kits.

Storage:

• Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original carton.
• During storage, the white solids and clear liquid component may become separated in the prefilled MenB syringe
  • Store the carton horizontally to minimize the time necessary to resuspend the MenB Component.
  • Do not freeze. Discard if the carton has been frozen.

Penbraya: Ordering through the VFC Program

• Both PENBRAYA (MenACWY-MenB) presentations will be available for ordering from VFC starting this week:

• • Single-dose vial; 1-pack, NDC: 00069-0600-01
  • Single-dose vial; 5-pack, NDC: 00069-0600-05
• If a VFC provider decides to order PENBRAYA , Trumenba would be needed for additional MenB dose(s) when MenACWY isn’t indicated.
• • If a VFC provider plans on switching to Trumenba from another MenB vaccine product because they will be using PENBRAYA , submit the “Provider Request Form to Update Vaccine Brand Products Administered”

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ADULT VACCINES VISITS (AVVs)

• CORE DATA ELEMENTS IN EHR/EMR
• Eligibility (317)
• Race/ethnicity
• Date of administration
• Vaccine manufacturer
• Vaccine lot number
• Name and title of the person who administered the vaccine
• Address of the facility where the permanent record will reside
• Vaccine information statement (VIS)
• Date printed on the VIS
• Date the VIS was given to the patient or parent/guardian

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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.

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: 
  • Contact 800-890-3385; Complete and submit a MedWatch form: MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program | FDA

For more information:

• CDC’s Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States
• FDA Frequently Asked Questions on the Emergency Use Authorization for Pemgarda (pemivibart) for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) of COVID-19
• Fact Sheet: Emergency Use Authorization of PEMGARDA (pemivibart)
• EUA 122 Invivyd PEMGARDA LOA (03222024)

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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.     

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

 

4. 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:

• Letter from Dr. Aragón to LTCF directors 
• LTCF COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit (Updated!) 
• Updated 2023-24 COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for LTCFs 
• Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Talking Points for LTCFs  
• Protect Against Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 poster | Spanish | Arabic | Armenian | Chinese | Dari | Farsi | Hindi | Japanese | Korean | Portuguese | Punjabi | Russian 
• COVID-19 Surge Readiness LTCF Best Practices 
• COVID-19 Surge Readiness SNF Best Practices 
• Respiratory Virus Prevention Resources 
• CDPH COVID-19 Treatments Webpage 

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UPCOMING WEBINARS

• All webinars on the VFC transition to myCAvax can be accessed here
  • Next event: Getting Started with myCAvax for Brand New Users on Wednesday, May 29 from 9:00 am – 9:30 am
• CDPH Infection Prevention Webinar
  • Wednesday, May 29 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm
  • Register here
• AIM Webinar
  • Friday, May 31, 2024 from 11:00 pm -12:00 pm
  • Register here
• CDPH Infection Prevention Webinar from 3:00 – 4:00 pm
  • When: 4^th 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 – June 5, 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 31 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

Resources

• DPH Provider Immunization Office Hours 05.22.24.pptx
• Vaccine Office Hours 5.22.24.pptx
• DPH OFFICE HOURS LGBTQIA+ Presentation.pdf
• Immunization-Champion-Award-Nomination-Packet_4242024 (1).pdf
• LAHAN - LAC DPH Health Advisory (1).pdf
• DPH OH Links 5.22.2024.docx