DHS has Activated the Federal Government's Long-term Care Pharmacy Partnership Program
As of December 14, 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has officially activated the federal government’s pharmacy distribution program for COVID-19 vaccine to skilled nursing facilities. A partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the national pharmacy chains Walgreens and CVS, the program will utilize the Moderna vaccine pending its upcoming Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. The effort, which will begin with skilled nursing facilities, involves the on-site vaccination of residents and staff of skilled nursing facilities.
As part of this program, which is free of charge to facilities, the federal pharmacy partner will:
- Schedule and coordinate on-site clinic dates directly with each facility
- Order vaccines and associated supplies (e.g., syringes, needles, personal protective equipment).
- Ensure cold chain management for vaccine
- Provide on-site administration of vaccine to all residents and any staff not already vaccinated.
- Report required vaccination data to the local, state/territorial, and federal jurisdictions within 72 hours of administering each dose.
- Adhere to all applicable CMS COVID-19 testing requirements for skilled nursing facility staff
Jurisdictions must provide a two-week notice to begin the LTCF program. This will allow for participating pharmacy partners to prepare to administer vaccine and coordinate vaccination activities with facilities assigned to them. This program is set to begin December 28, 2020. More information on this effort will be available in the coming days. General information regarding the vaccine can be found here.
The second phase of this program will provide vaccine to staff and residents in assisted living facilities. This portion of the program will likely be initiated sometime in January, based on vaccine availability.
Resources for Local and Tribal Health Departments
Additional Trainings
Manufacturer COVID-19 Vaccine Training & Education Series
This week, Pfizer will be hosting a series of training sessions to review information and answer questions about their COVID-19 vaccine. Please share these training opportunities with clinicians and COVID-19 vaccine providers.
Please click on the link below to join the sessions at the designated times.
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