This message was sent to AIM, FAB, Health Systems, INE, IAP, LHD Health Officers, LHD Medical Directors, MACI, MACI 2, PH Imms Leads, MCIR Region Contacts, COVID-19 Vaccine Providers, VFC Providers, and Imms All Staff. I apologize for any duplications.

Dear Immunization Partners,  

Please review the following COVID-19 vaccine update on the newly approved and authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and ordering allocations for VFC and MI-AVP/Bridge Access providers.  

We recently sent communication to all providers on the changes to COVID-19 vaccine ordering amidst the authorization of the updated vaccine and transition to the commercial market. This notification is to inform you that ordering is now open for all VFC providers and MI-AVP providers in Michigan, and to provide additional detail for our VFC and MI-AVP/Bridge Access providers on limited vaccine allocations and initial orders. It is important to note that with commercialization of COVID-19 vaccines, the State of Michigan will ONLY have federal vaccine allocations for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and through the Bridge Access Program to MI-AVP providers. Providers should place all private vaccine orders for COVID-19 vaccine directly through the manufacturer.

At this time, initial allocations of the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine are limited and based on product availability. Because of the limited allocations we ask that providers place a minimum dose order, based on your patient population. Please keep initial orders to a minimum of 10 doses and a maximum of 30 doses. Ordering will be based on a first come, first serve basis.

CDC will conduct weekly monitoring of ordering to determine future allocations. This will be based on Michigan’s ordering history and continued availability of additional doses. Again, providers have the following options available to them for ordering the newly commercialized COVID-19 vaccine.  

• Directly from the manufacturers to obtain private COVID-19 vaccine supply, as they do with other ACIP recommended vaccines.   
• Through a new temporary program called the Bridge Access Program. This program consists of two components: 
  • The first component utilizes existing public health infrastructure including state immunization programs, local health departments, and HRSA-supported health centers to provide COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured underinsured adults. Michigan Bridge Access providers are current MI-AVP providers. Ordering of Bridge COVID-19 vaccine will be placed through MCIR E-ordering.   
  • FOR PHARMACIES: The second component will be implemented through pharmacies. This will enable them to continue offering free COVID-19 vaccinations to the uninsured and underinsured. Pharmacies interested in joining this program can reach out to eTrueNorth to learn more.
  • Through the existing Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.  
    • Michigan VFC providers will order VFC COVID-19 vaccine through MCIR E-ordering.

NOTE: The US Government ended distribution of COVID-19 vaccines through the current ordering system on September 12, 2023. The Bivalent mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccines are NO LONGER authorized for use in the United States, they should no longer be administered.

ORDERING SPECIFICATIONS 

• Moderna, COVID-19;(12y+);SDV;10-pk, NDC 80777-0102-95
• Moderna, COVID-19;(6m-11y);SDV;10-pk, NDC 80777-0287-92 
• Pfizer, COVID-19;(12y+);SDV;10-pk, NDC 00069-2362-10 
• Pfizer, COVID-19(Pfizer);(5-11y);SDV;10-pk, NDC 59267-4331-02 
• Pfizer, COVID-19(Pfizer);(6m-4y);MDV3;10-pk, NDC 59267-4315-02 (3-dose vials with 30 doses/10 vials) 
• Novavax - At this time, the original Novavax COVID-19 vaccine remains authorized for use as a 2-dose primary series (12 years and older) and can be given as a booster dose in limited situations (18 years and older). Authorizations or approvals for the 2023-2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine will be determined by FDA with CDC recommendations to follow at a later date.
  • Orders are no longer placed through the MCIR outbreak module.
  • Order VFC and Bridge Access (MI-AVP) COVID-19 vaccines per normal processes through MCIR e-ordering (see image below).

STORAGE AND HANDLING REQUIREMENTS TO GUIDE VACCINE ORDERING 

The Emergency Use Authorization Fact Sheets (EUA) for Healthcare Professionals and for Recipients and Caregivers have been updated for both Pfizer and Moderna for persons aged 6 months through 11 years of age. At this time, there is no EUA for persons 12 years and older. Comirnaty and Spikevax are approved by the FDA and are not under EUA. CDC does not currently have a timeline for availability of a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for these COVID-19 vaccines. Until a VIS is available, a provider should use the manufacturer’s package insert to inform patients about the benefits and risks of that vaccine. Once a VIS is available it should be used. It’s important to note that providers should not delay use of a vaccine because of the absence of a VIS.  

As a reminder, all VFC enrolled providers will be expected to carry all ACIP recommended immunizations for the population they serve, including the COVID-19 vaccine. However, due to the limited number of doses Michigan has on hand, all VFC providers may not be able to order vaccine immediately and should only order the number of doses they expect to use within the next few weeks. MDHHS in collaboration with LHDs, will work alongside the VFC providers as we all navigate this change and what this transition means for each office.  

For questions or assistance, please email: checcimms@michigan.gov 

Thank you for helping keep Michiganders healthy this fall and winter season!  
MDHHS Immunizations