|
FDA Approval of Updated COVID-19
|
|
|
On August 22, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took action approving and authorizing for emergency use updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc., which have been updated to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant KP.2 strain.
The 2023–2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine remains authorized but is no longer available in the United States, as all doses have expired.
2023–2024 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Are No Longer Authorized. Remove all 2023–2024 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines from storage units immediately, even if they are not expired. Return all unused 2023–2024 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to CDC’s centralized distributor using the normal process for returning expired vaccines.
|
|
Holiday Preparations
Vaccine shipments from McKesson will be HELD:
- November 5th Election Day
- November 11th Veterans Day
- November 27-29 Thanksgiving
- December 23-January 1 Winter Holiday Season.
Orders entered by noon on December 11th should arrive before the break.
The Order Center will not enter direct-ship orders to avoid deliveries from Merck during these time periods. However, a few direct-shipments might arrive from Merck since they cannot be held as done with refrigerated vaccines shipped by McKesson. Providers should indicate any changes to routine hours when ordering and should order vaccine mindful of their holiday closures.
|
|
|
Preparations for Respiratory Season
As you prepare to protect infants from RSV, COVID-19 and influenza this fall, download updated standing orders templates from Immunize.org. https://www.immunize.org/clinical/topic/standing-orders-templates/
ACIP now recommends all adults 75 years of age and older receive a single dose of RSV vaccine. Adults 60 to 74 years of age should get a single dose of RSV vaccine if they are at increased risk of severe RSV disease.
Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine will be available to order by August 30th. Adult COVID-19 vaccine will be available to order in late September at the earliest.
If a COVID-19 Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) has not been published or made available by CDC for the COVID-19 vaccine product being administered, providers should provide information prior to COVID-19 vaccination as follows: Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Fact Sheet for Recipients, Emergency Use Instructions (EUI), or Biologics License Application (BLA) package insert, as applicable.
|
|
VIIS Updates
There will be changes in the coming year to Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS). VDH recently signed a contract with a new vendor to host VIIS. The current VIIS application will remain available to providers until we switch to the new application in mid-2025.
VDH has launched a new Report Card feature for all our VIIS providers. The Report Card allows providers to view a summary of the overall quality for key data elements submitted to VIIS and identify areas of improvement. Look at your Report Card today by simply accessing the Virginia Electronic Registration for Immunization Programs (VERIP).
|
|
⭐ Gold Star Awards (June 1 - July 31, 2024)
Outstanding VVFC Compliance
- Kids First Pediatrics, Stafford
- NH Arlington Ped Center, Arlington
- Royal Oak Pediatric Assoc., Abingdon
- Royal Oak Pediatric Assoc., Marion
- Town Pediatrics, Leesburg
|
|
Adult Vaccine Update
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAI)
The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus caused by subtypes (H5 and H7) of type A, causes serious illness in birds that can spread rapidly, resulting in high death rates in different species of birds.
VDH is recommending that clinicians have a low threshold to request H5N1 testing in any person showing signs or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (including conjunctivitis) who has a relevant exposure history to cattle, unpasteurized (raw) milk, birds, other animals, or their feces, including exposure to animals with no apparent signs of infection. If an H5N1 bird flu infection is suspected, please immediately notify your local health department (LHD), who can coordinate testing with the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS).
In addition to notifying the LHD, persons with signs of avian influenza should: Isolate and initiate antiviral treatment.
Providing seasonal flu vaccination to people at greater risk of H5N1 infection can help reduce influenza illness in this population.
|
|
|
|
