COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Weekly Updates

Minnesota Department of Health sent this bulletin at 08/18/2022 01:10 PM CDT
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COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Weekly Updates

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Minnesota Department of Health

August 18, 2022

 

CDC interim clinical considerations updates

On August 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines with new guidance that people with a recent exposure to COVID-19 is not a contraindication or precaution to COVID-19 vaccination. 

Refer to the: COVID-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection for further details. 

Pre-ordering vaccine for Bivalent Vaccine Boosters

In anticipation of an upcoming Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters, and an Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting that would discuss the recommendations for the Moderna and Pfizer bivalent vaccine boosters, a pre-order event for providers who want to offer either of these products will be open in MIIC.

Pre-ordering event in MIIC

  • Open in MIIC from 8:00 a.m. on Friday, August 19 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29.
  • Vaccine is expected to be delivered September 6 – 13, but we will share updates on confirmed dates as things are finalized at the federal level.
  • Only place orders in the ordering event if your site can start administering vaccines soon after receipt of the product.
  • Note: Pre-orders are not a guarantee of vaccine doses you will receive. We will follow up if we are unable to fill your order.

Considerations for pre-orders

  • This vaccine is for boosters only in people with a complete primary series.
  • Do not over-order during this pre-order opportunity. There will be more opportunities to order vaccine after the ACIP meeting and after CDC issues recommendations.
  • Consider ordering a small amount to have on hand for the first two weeks after the recommendation, then assess your practice's demand and order more. Order fewer doses if you will not begin vaccinating until the second week.
  • Pre-orders cannot be modified once we have submitted them to CDC.
  • You must be enrolled in the COVID-19 vaccine program to order COVID-19 vaccine. For details on how to enroll, refer to our COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Registration
  • The Pfizer bivalent vaccine is anticipated to be available for people age 12 and older. The Moderna bivalent vaccine is anticipated to be available for people age 18 and older.
  • Pfizer bivalent vaccine storage and handling:
    • Ultra-cold freezer storage until expiry
    • No freezer storage
    • Refrigeration storage up to 10 weeks without puncturing
    • 10 MDVs of 6 doses - 300 dose minimum request
  • Moderna bivalent vaccine storage and handling:
    • No ultra-cold freezer storage
    • Freezer storage until expiry
    • Refrigeration storage up to 30 days without puncturing
    • 10 MDCs of 10 doses - 100 dose minimum request

Vax to School

As the new school year approaches, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is sharing “Vax to School” messages to remind families that now is the time to check what vaccines their child may need, including COVID-19 vaccine. Many children have fallen behind on the recommended vaccines during the pandemic. In order to have a safer and healthier school year, it’s important to make sure children are up to date on all recommended vaccines. Connecting with a child’s provider is also a great time to touch base on any other physical or mental health questions or needs the child might have ahead of the new school year.

Over the next few weeks:

  • Do reminder/recall for families who may be due or overdue for recommended vaccines. 
  • Share information about the importance of vaccines through emails, social media, and other communication channels with families. There are social media graphics available in English, Hmong, Spanish and Somali on Stay Safe MN Social Media Images.   
  • Amplify “Vax to School” social media posts from MDH.  

National Immunization Awareness Month; Keep kids on track with well-child checks and immunizations

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)! It is an annual observance to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages, especially children. Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged Immunization Awareness Month by signing a State of Minnesota Proclamations in recognition of the month. Encouraging routine childhood vaccinations and doing what you can to get kids caught up on all recommended vaccines, particularly before the start of a new school year, is an important way to protect children’s health.

Childhood and adolescent vaccination rates for routine vaccinations have decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to get all kids back on track, we not only need to make sure kids due for vaccines are scheduled for appointments but make sure we reach out to families with kids who are overdue for vaccines. 

Health care and public health partners play an important role in catching children up on vaccines they need to prevent future outbreaks of COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Childhood diseases, such as measles and polio, that were once common are rarely seen in the U.S. today because of the success of vaccinations, but diseases like measles, whooping cough, and others are extremely contagious and can be very serious. If children fall behind on vaccines, these diseases could make a comeback. 

Get children up to date on the vaccines they missed before the school year begins including the COVID-19 vaccine and continue to identify and schedule patients that are due or overdue for recommended vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccine. MDH developed this resource to help providers connect with parents and families regarding the importance of well-child checks and vaccination. Visit Well-child Visits and Immunization for more information and a half page flyer to distribute at your site. 

Find previous bulletins at COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Updates.