COVID-19 Vaccine Providers Newsletter 03.11.2021

Posted on by Daniel Harker

Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine allocation updates:

  • Jurisdictions received an initial allocation of Janssen (J&J) vaccine on Sunday, February 28.
  • The next expected allocation will be made the week of March 22.
  • We anticipate that the supply for Janssen (J&J) will become more consistent and robust moving forward. The manufacturer had limited inventory to start delivery.  Allocations are initially targeted at 20 million doses per month with the hope of increased production as a long-range goal.

CDC has updated its websites and has new and updated materials related to the Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen (J&J) vaccines.

Vaccination services must be provided in an accessible manner.

  • Vaccination sites and staff must comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (applies to programs, services and activities provided directly by state and local governments as well as those provided by third parties) and Title III of the ADA (applies to private healthcare providers).
  • Equal access to care and services includes:
    • Physical accessibility of buildings and facilities
    • Accessible equipment
    • Effective communication
    • Modification of policies, practices, and procedures
  • Spoken language access for people with limited English proficiency is required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 
  • Reasonable exceptions to health and physical distancing policies should be made to prevent rights violations.
  • Site and event planning should include accessibility considerations for the physical space, services provided, and training for successful interactions with people who need accommodations.
  • Use FEMA’s Office of Equal Rights checklist as a tool to understand and fulfill your obligations to provide access to vaccine related programs, activities, and services in a nondiscriminatory manner.
  • For more resources regarding accessibility best practices, visit our Best Practices for Vaccination Clinics.

As a reminder, providers are required to enter their COVID-19 vaccine inventory on a daily basis into VaccineFinder.

  • If your organization is scheduled to receive vaccine within the next few days, but has not yet received an invitation to register with VaccineFinder, we recommend that you email vaccinefinder@castlighthealth.com and note the date that you will receive your first delivery of vaccine so that VaccineFinder can prioritize your request appropriately.

Pfizer began shipping vaccine vials in newly designed shippers to make it easier to replace dry ice and reduce the risk of temperature excursions.

  • The new sturdier AeroSafe Shipper replaces the Softbox Shipper in the U.S. market.
  • The new shipper box can be recognized by its “racing stripe” exterior and aluminum frame.

Best Practice Spotlight

Patients should be screened prior to receipt of each COVID-19 vaccine dose, and those with a contraindication should not be vaccinated. A COVID-19 prevaccination questionnaire is available to assist with screening. Refer to this table to triage people presenting for COVID-19 vaccination.

CDC currently recommends the following observation periods after vaccination:

  • 30 minutes for:
      • People with a history of anaphylaxis due to any cause.
      • People with a history of an immediate allergic reaction of any severity to another vaccine or injectable therapy.
      • People with a contraindication to a different type of COVID-19 vaccine (for example, people with a contraindication to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines who receive Janssen(J&J) viral vector vaccine should be observed for 30 minutes following Janssen(J&J) vaccination). For people with these precautions, referral to an allergist-immunologist should be considered.
  • 15 minutes for:
    • All other persons. Some examples are below:
      • An immunocompromised person without any contraindications or history of immediate allergic reactions.
      • A person with other allergies such as to peanuts or oral medications (without any history of anaphylaxis or other precautions or contraindications)

* Note: People may be observed longer based on clinical concern. For example, if a person develops itching and swelling confined to the injection site during their post-vaccination observation period, this period may be extended to assess for development of any hypersensitivity signs or symptoms consistent with anaphylaxis (described below).

As a reminder, COVID-19 vaccination locations should have at least three doses of epinephrine available at all times and staff should be prepared to respond to any immediate reactions that occur during the observation period.

Check out our complete list of COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Best Practices here.

Upcoming Events

Helpful Resources

Janssen (J&J) Customer Service Contact Information.

Detailed updates to CDC COVID-19 vaccine resources

On March 2, President Biden directed all jurisdictions to prioritize school staff and childcare workers for COVID-19 vaccination and challenged them to get teachers, school staff, and workers in child care programs their first shot by the end of the month.

UPDATED: VDH’s Myths About COVID-19 webpage.

  • Added information about the Janssen(J&J) vaccine; Added information explaining that Ivermectin is not approved for use in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccination program is changing frequently. This newsletter will offer regular updates to providers who have submitted an intent to vaccinate or signed the CDC provider agreement within Virginia.

VDH COVID-19 Vaccination Response: Healthcare Professionals Website