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Updated VFC, VFA Ordering
COVID-19 vaccine has been added to the VFC and VFA order formularies. MPOX vaccine has been added to the pediatric order formulary. Capvaxive has been added to the adult formulary. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to update the adult age-based pneumococcal vaccination guidelines and recommends CAPVAXIVE™ (Pneumococcal 21-valent Conjugate Vaccine) for pneumococcal vaccination in adults 50 years of age and older. Forms can be found on the Division of Immunization website.
Bexsero Recommendation
On August 19, 2024, an update to the prescribing information for Bexsero occurred as the result of FDA approval based on immunogenicity and safety data. On October 24, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) adopted the following schedule for Bexsero:
Two-dose: ACIP recommends Men-B-4C (Bexsero) be administered as a 2-dose series at 0 and 6 months when given to a healthy adolescent and young adult aged 16-23 years based on shared clinical decision-making for the prevention of serogroup B meningococcal disease
Three-dose: ACIP recommends MenB-4C (Bexsero) be administered as a 3-dose series at 0, 1-2, and 6 months when given to persons aged ≥10 years at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease (i.e. persons with anatomic or functional asplenia, complement component deficiencies, or complement inhibitor use; microbiologist routinely exposed to N. meningitidis isolates; and persons at increased risk during an outbreak).
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Managing VFC/Private Vaccine Stock
With the exception of certain specialty providers, all enrolled VFC provider locations are required to procure and maintain COVID-19 and nirsevimab inventory for the populations they serve. Providers have until August 31, 2025 to comply with maintaining privately purchased COVID-19 and nirsevimab.
For those VFC providers who maintain private stock of COVID-19 vaccine or nirsevimab, bidirectional borrowing of COVID-19 vaccine and nirsevimab will be allowed for the 2024-25 respiratory virus season. Borrowed COVID-19 vaccine or nirsevimab must be repaid (dose for dose) within 1 month or after five doses borrowed (i.e., if VFC vaccine is borrowed for a privately insured patient and then repaid to VFC inventory, the repaid dose must be administered to a VFC-eligible child).
Recycle
Recycle coolers used for frozen and some refrigerated vaccine shipments by following the instructions included in the shipment. The step-by-step directions describe how to request a UPS pick up if the provider isn’t part of a regular route.
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New Vaccine Information Statements
A new Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for COVID-19 vaccine and updated VISs for RSV have been posted on the CDC website. Note the VIS for RSV vaccine differs from the VIS for RSV preventive antibody (nirsevimab).
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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.
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⭐ Gold Star Awards (August 1 - September 30, 2024)
Outstanding VVFC Compliance
- Hillendale Medical Care, Woodbridge
- LIFT Center – Fallon Park Peds., Roanoke
- Pratt Medical Group, Fredericksburg
Outstanding VVFC Compliance
- Bluefield Ped. Cardiology Assoc., Bluefield
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Adult Vaccine Update
MPOX for Adults
The U.S. government program that provided all JYNNEOS MPOX vaccine under special authorization expires on Oct. 31, 2024. Going forward, MPOX vaccine for adults will be managed through local health departments.
Hepatitis B Universal Adult Screening
Immunize.org recently updated its resource for healthcare professionals: Implementing Hepatitis B Universal Adult Screening and Vaccination: Clinical Answers for Healthcare Professionals. Implementing Hepatitis B Universal Adult Screening and Vaccination: Clinical Answers for Healthcare Professionals
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