FIRST VACCINES TO ARRIVE THIS WEEK
Beginning Monday, Dec. 14, the first COVID-19 vaccines will arrive in Ohio, following the FDA granting the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine emergency use authorization (EUA) on Friday, December 11. The first shipments will go to the 10 prepositioned hospitals and CVS/Walgreens, who will administer vaccines at nursing homes and veterans homes.
The U.S. FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) will meet to discuss granting an EUA for the Moderna vaccine on Dec. 17. If approved by the FDA, the first shipments of Moderna could arrive as soon as Dec. 22.
NEW AND UPATED RESOURCES
Trainings – Ohio has expanded the trainings available to vaccine providers, with many resources available for storage and handling, vaccine administration, manufacturer information, and more. These trainings can be accessed from the Provider Training section of the COVID-19 Vaccine Provider website. New and updated resources added this week include:
- Ohio Pandemic Vaccine Management Plan NEW (12/8/2020)
- CDC’s Product Information Guide for COVID-19 Vaccines and Associated Products Updated (12/08/2020)
- COVID-19 Vaccine – Billing FAQ NEW (12/9/2020)
- Ohio Covid-19 Provider Training Attestation Updated (12/08/2020)
- ImpactSIIS Trainings NEW (12/13/2020)
Method to collect target population/occupation – As Ohio prepares to distribute COVID-19 vaccines, it is critical we have a process to collect data around the number of vaccine recipients from each target population or occupation. Providers will need to collect that target population/occupation data using a paper checklist and then manually add the information in ImpactSIIS within 24 hours through web entry or a new secure data file upload process. More details are available here.
HOW TO ENROLL
If you haven’t already enrolled in Ohio’s COVID-19 Vaccination Provider Program, enrollment information and resources are available here.
TALKING POINTS
The most trusted voices when it comes to information about COVID-19 are an individual’s personal physician, medical experts, and emergency room doctors, followed by public health officials. As a vaccine provider, you can be one of those trusted sources of information for your patients and constituents.
- Ohio is prepared to distribute safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines statewide. We have two clear goals: To save lives and slow the spread of the virus.
- The COVID-19 vaccine development process included several steps comparable with those used to develop earlier vaccines, such as the flu or measles vaccine. The FDA, as well as independent medical experts, have ensured that every detail of these vaccines are thoroughly and rigorously evaluated.
- Initially, there will be a limited number of vaccines available, and Ohio is committed to making the vaccine widely available, for those who want to receive it, as quickly as possible as shipments arrive.
- In the early stages of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, doses will be available in limited supply for specific critical populations as a part of phased approach. Ohioans who choose to be vaccinated. As supply increases, COVID-19 vaccines will be available to all.
- The vaccine has been shown to decrease the severity of illness in people who catch this virus. Having a significant portion of Ohioans vaccinated will help us prevent serious hospitalizations and death, and will allow a return to normal.
- Using all the tools available to help prevent the spread of the virus continues to be critical until a substantial number of Ohioans can be vaccinated. Continuing to wear masks and social distance will reduce your chance of being exposed to or spreading the virus. Proper prevention measures coupled with the vaccine will provide the best protection from COVID-19.
- COVID-19 vaccines can save lives. COVID-19 is deadly and has killed more than 7,400 Ohioans and more than 298,000 people across the U.S. (data updated Dec. 13, 2020)/
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
- Regularly speak about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.
- Record audio or video PSAs from industry leaders using the messaging outlined in this document. Send thosemessages to members and post them on websites/social media.
- Use local speaking opportunities and virtual meetings to reiterate that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
- Submit letters to the editor to local news outlets or participate in radio or television interviews about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and what the success of COVID-19 vaccination will mean for your business and the community.