COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Weekly Updates

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COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Weekly Updates

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Minnesota Department of Health

February 23, 2022

 


Updated interval for mRNA primary series

On Feb. 22, 2022, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its COVID-19 vaccination guidance with additional information to help vaccine providers determine the optimal interval between the first and second dose of an mRNA vaccine series, based on the individual patient.

The updated recommendation allows for people 12 to 64 years of age, particularly males 12 to 39 years, to receive their second mRNA COVID-19 (Pfizer and Moderna) primary series dose up to 8 weeks after their first dose. This new recommendation is based on the latest safety and effectiveness data, CDC: Myocarditis and COVID-19 Vaccine Intervals: International Data and Policies. Extending the time interval between primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses to 8 weeks may help lower the (small) risk of myocarditis and pericarditis, which has been associated mostly among adolescent and young adult males with mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. It may also help increase how long protection lasts against COVID-19.

However, this update does not apply to everyone. Providers should continue to recommend the 3-week or 4-week intervals for Pfizer and Moderna products respectively for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, adults 65 years and older, and others who may need early protection due to concern about an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or high levels of community transmission.

This updated guidance is specific to the mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine primary series and is only for patients who have not yet started their series or who haven’t yet received their second dose. The interval between COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses is best determined by considering the balance of risks and benefits, based on the person’s age and health conditions.

For additional details, including updated vaccination tables, refer to the CDC: Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines: Primary series. Providers may also want to attend the Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) call: Updated Guidance for Clinicians on COVID-19 Vaccines on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. CST.

We are updating our MDH resources with this recent change and they will be posted on COVID-19 Vaccine Providers soon.

 

Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine available via redistribution

Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is not currently available to order in MIIC, but we do have doses available via redistribution. We encourage providers who may be able to use doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine to request them via our SmartSheet tool: COVID-19 Vaccine Available for Redistribution.

NEW Pfizer Controlant Data “SAGA Logger”

The Pfizer vaccine shippers have begun transitioning to an updated data logger from the previous Controlant. The new data logger called “SAGA Logger” is slightly larger in size and requires return shipping in the packaging materials provided with your order.

The new interactive LCD tracker display shows current temperatures and the minimum and maximum temperatures of the shipper contents during transit. The screen also includes an easy-to-read status indicator for the safer NiMH extended-life battery.  Providers should continue to wait for the Controlant email that the vaccine is safe to use, even if the temperature is in the correct range at the time of delivery. For additional information or questions, attend one of the Pfizer: Medical Updates & Immunization Site Training for All Healthcare Providers.

Controlant SAGA logger display main screen

Find previous bulletins at COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Updates.