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As National Public Health Week 2021 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on the significant contributions made by vaccinators, who are important members of Wisconsin’s public health system. We recognize that our vaccinators across the state are working tirelessly to improve the health of Wisconsinites. Thank you!
Through this remarkable work, Wisconsin has administered more than 3.3 million doses statewide, with:
- 35.9% of Wisconsinites having received at least one dose
- More than 1.3 million Wisconsinites now fully vaccinated
- 67.7% of Wisconsinites aged 65 and older now fully vaccinated.
These are impressive statistics, and they are possible because of you, Wisconsin’s vaccinators. Although we have made substantial progress, supply remains limited, and it will take some time to get everyone vaccinated. Please urge patience and persistence with your stakeholders and patients.
DHS was notified that the state’s allocation for the next few weeks will be less than originally anticipated due to fluctuations in the federal supply of Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This means many vaccinators will see a drop in their allocation. It is important to note that as the allocation model takes into account all vaccine types, vaccinators who have traditionally not received Johnson & Johnson are also likely to be affected. See more details here.
DHS updated its website with joint guidance from Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services, Department of Safety and Professional Services, and Veterinary Examining Board on the PREP Act March 11, 2021 Seventh Amendment. See the website for full details. Once on the website, click on the “Guidance for providers eligible to administer COVID-19 vaccine under the PREP Act” drop down tab.
Although there is currently no state-level public health emergency order, volunteer health care providers are still protected. The federal CARES act preempts state law and still provides liability protections to volunteer health care providers from the Wisconsin Emergency Assistance Volunteer Registry (WEAVR) during the federal state of emergency.
On April 1, the FDA authorized an amendment to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine EUA. The new EUA documents can be found here:
A summary of these revisions in Moderna’s EUA was emailed to vaccinators on April 9. Review that summary for further details.
Vaccination providers must complete COVID-19 vaccine cards with accurate vaccine information and give them to each patient who receives a vaccine to ensure a basic vaccination record is provided. The card needs to include:
- vaccine manufacturer name
- vaccine lot number
- date of vaccination
- date to return for a second vaccination (if required).
These cards serve as an important reminder to patients of their second appointment (if required). If two doses are required, remind patients to bring the card to their second appointment.
DHS recently launched a webpage designed to help people prepare for their COVID-19 vaccination appointment and know what to expect after getting vaccinated. Please share this with your patients and networks.
On April 13, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., DHS will host the weekly office hours for vaccine coordinators, managers, and clinicians. You can sign up for the webinar on the DHS website.
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