COVID-19 Vaccine Updates for Virginia
September 15, 2023
Dear Colleague:
This letter provides an update on COVID-19 vaccine guidance and commercialization.
CDC Recommends 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule
On September 11, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized the use of updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer. These are monovalent vaccines that target the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant. On September 12, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted that everyone aged 6 months or older should receive an updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine and CDC endorsed these recommendations. People previously vaccinated for COVID-19 can receive the vaccine at least 2 months after their last dose, and providers can check the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS) to confirm a patient’s vaccine history.
Based on ACIP’s vote, the following guidelines are expected to be updated in CDC’s Interim Clinical Considerations:
- Everyone aged 5 years or older is recommended to receive 1 dose of a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of previous vaccination history.
- Children aged 6 months through 4 years should complete a 2-dose primary series of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine OR a 3-dose primary series of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. If children have already started their primary series with a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine(s), at least 1 dose should be a 2023–2024 vaccine. Children who have already completed a bivalent Moderna or Pfizer primary series should receive a 2023–2024 Moderna or Pfizer vaccine at least 2 months after their last dose.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should complete a 3-dose primary series with at least one dose of the 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine and may receive 1 or more additional doses.
Bivalent mRNA vaccines are no longer authorized for use and should immediately be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Any vaccine doses received through VDH and disposed of should be reported through the COVID-19 Vaccine Waste Survey. There are no updates to the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, and it may still be administered if it’s determined that a person should not wait for an updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. Please note that mRNA vaccines are preferred for use.
Finally, as we enter respiratory illness season, it’s important to remember that coadministration of other age-appropriate vaccines (e.g., influenza, RSV) is recommended for people without contraindication(s).
Updates on COVID-19 Vaccine Commercialization
- COVID-19 vaccines are now available directly from manufacturers, rather than from the U.S. government. However, there will be little impact for most people receiving the vaccine as they will still likely receive a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost.
- People with private or employer-based health insurance coverage will likely receive COVID-19 vaccination at no cost since it will be covered as a preventive service.
- Medicare Part B will continue to cover COVID-19 vaccinations at no cost to the patient.
- Medicaid will continue to cover COVID-19 vaccinations through September 30, 2024.
- Uninsured children will be able to receive COVID-19 vaccines through the existing Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. This initiative provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of their inability to pay.
- Uninsured and underinsured adults will have access to free COVID-19 vaccines through the Virginia Vaccines for Adults program which is funded by CDC’s Bridge Access Program through December 2024.
- Healthcare providers who want to provide COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured individuals should visit the Virginia Vaccines for Adults Bridge and Virginia Vaccines for Children programs to enroll.
- For more information on commercialization, please review the VDH COVID-19 Vaccine Commercialization FAQ or submit your inquiry at the VDH Immunization webpage.
Thank you again for your continued partnership. Please visit the VDH website for current clinical and public health guidance on COVID-19 and other information.
Sincerely,
Karen Shelton, MD
State Health Commissioner