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The BackPage
Vaccine News Alert

November/December 2023

Updated VFC, VFA, and Bridge Order Forms
Please download updated order forms each time you order. They are being updated to reflect the fluctuations related to availability of immunizations. COVID-19 vaccine has been added to the VFC and VFA order forms. Non-VFA-enrolled providers accessing the Bridge program should use the Bridge order form, which offers the adult COVID vaccines only. Forms can be found on the Division of Immunization website:

VFC COVID-19 Vaccine Stock
With the exception of certain specialty providers, all enrolled Vaccines for Children (VFC) provider locations are required to procure and maintain COVID-19 vaccine inventory for the populations they serve. Providers have until March 31, 2024 to comply with maintaining privately purchased COVID-19 vaccine. For privately purchased vaccine, contact the manufacturers to inquire about programs for mitigating waste. Minimum order quantities (MOQs) for COVID-19 are now aligned with MOQs for routinely recommended vaccines.

New Vaccine Information Statements
A new Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for COVID-19 vaccine and an updated VIS for RSV vaccine have been posted on the CDC website.

Holiday Preparations
Vaccine shipments from McKesson will be HELD:
November 7th Election Day
November 10th Veterans Day
November 22-24 Thanksgiving
December 22-January 1 Winter Holiday Season
Orders entered by noon on December 13th should arrive before the break. Providers should order vaccine mindful of their Holiday closures.

Limited Availability of Nirsevimab
The monoclonal antibody product nirsevimab (trade name: Beyfortus, Sanofi) for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is available through VFC. Nirsevimab is being allocated by CDC until supply improves. Avoid using two 50mg doses for infants weighing ≥5 kilograms (≥11 pounds), because 50mg doses should be reserved only for infants weighing <5 kilograms. See interim CDC Recommendations here:

VFC Operations Guide
CDC has posted the 2023 Vaccines for Children (VFC) Operations Guide along with the new VFC Operations Guide addendums for COVID-19 vaccine and nirsevimab.

Adult Vaccine Update
The Bridge Access Program
COVID Vaccines are provided at $0 cost-sharing to most in-network clients. Encourage clients to check with their insurance plans to determine COVID vaccine coverage. In rare cases, insurance plans are not part of the Affordable Care Act, and may require a copay or payment of the full cost of medical care until the client pays down their deductible. The CDC calls this being underinsured, and these clients are eligible to get their COVID vaccines for free through the Bridge Access program.
Respiratory Disease Update
Two Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines are approved for people ages 60 years and older:
-Arexvy (GSK adjuvanted RSV vaccine)
-Abrysvo (Pfizer RSV vaccine) Most infants whose mother receives Abrysvo vaccine will not need nirsevimab.
FAQ about RSV for adults:
Communication Materials
Fall Immunizations Graphic
V-safe
After receiving an RSV vaccine, participants can enroll in V-safe to receive health check-ins via text messages or emails to complete confidential surveys so that they can quickly and easily share with CDC how they feel after getting vaccinated. The data collected through V-safe help CDC monitor potential vaccine side effects and inform the public about what to expect following vaccination. The updated V-safe website and related materials will be available soon.
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