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COVID-19 Update for Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n May 14, 2021<\/p>\n Dear Colleague:<\/p>\n Thank you for your partnership in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic for over a year now.\u00a0 Please visit the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) website<\/a> for current guidance, epidemiologic data, and information.\u00a0 The following updates are included here:<\/p>\n Updated CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n On May 13, CDC updated Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0A growing body of evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have asymptomatic infection and less likely to spread the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, or local rules and regulations, including local businesses and workplaces.\u00a0 This guidance does not apply to healthcare settings, correctional facilities, or homeless shelters. Guidance for residents and staff of healthcare settings can be found in the Updated Healthcare Infection Prevention Control Recommendations in Response to COVID-19 Vaccination<\/a>.\u00a0 People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system are advised to talk to their healthcare provider to discuss their activities; they may need to keep taking all precautions<\/a> to prevent COVID-19.<\/p>\n VDH plans to adopt the CDC masking recommendations once they have been fully reviewed. Governor Northam\u2019s 7th amended Executive Order 72 is set to take effect on May 15; please monitor the Governor\u2019s Executive Action<\/a> webpage to remain abreast of any changes, including those that may be related to masking requirements. As a reminder, until a person is fully vaccinated, they should continue to follow all precautions that are recommended by public health.<\/p>\n Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Authorized and Recommended for 12<\/strong><\/a>\u2013<\/a>15 Year <\/strong><\/a>Olds<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n On May 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to include adolescents 12 \u201315 years of age.\u00a0 The FDA determined that the known and potential benefits of this vaccine in individuals 12 year of age and older outweigh the known and potential risks.\u00a0 The available safety data support the EUA in this age group.<\/p>\n On May 12, CDC\u2019s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met to review the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in people 12\u201315 years old.\u00a0 They also discussed clinical considerations and implementation of this vaccine in adolescents.\u00a0 ACIP voted to support use of this vaccine in individuals 12 years of age and older and CDC adopted these recommendations.<\/p>\n ACIP also concluded that COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)) and other vaccines may now be administered without regard to timing. This includes simultaneous administration of COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines on the same day. ACIP\u2019s recommendations<\/a> and CDC\u2019s updated clinical considerations <\/a>guidance<\/a> were published today.<\/p>\n Importance of Not Missing COVID-19 Vaccination Opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n Now that we have ample supply of COVID-19 vaccine in Virginia, our strategy has shifted to making access to COVID-19 vaccine as easy as possible and to addressing concerns among Virginians who remain hesitant to get vaccinated. It is critical not to miss a single opportunity to administer a vaccine.\u00a0 You are the most trusted resource for your patients in making health decisions. Your strong recommendation to get a COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most important factors in your patients\u2019 decision to accept vaccination. I encourage you to make every effort to vaccinate every eligible patient you serve.\u00a0 Tell your patients how important getting the COVID-19 vaccine is to protect their health, as well as the health of their family and friends.<\/p>\n Given this goal, it is acceptable to open a multi-use vial without a guarantee that you can use all doses contained within it. It is no longer imperative that you use every dose of vaccine the week you receive it. It is acceptable to have multiple weeks of inventory on hand as long as all manufacturer specifications for storage and handling are followed.<\/p>\n Importance of Second Dose Administration of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines<\/strong><\/p>\n Some Virginians have not returned for their second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.\u00a0 Although this could be happening for a variety of reasons, it is important that we make it as easy and convenient as possible for everyone receiving a two-dose vaccine to receive the second dose so they can get the full protection available.<\/p>\n Please be flexible in accommodating second-dose needs.\u00a0 Try to schedule each person\u2019s second-dose appointment when they receive their first dose.\u00a0 If that is not possible, make sure they understand that they can receive that second dose anywhere that offers that vaccine.\u00a0 If they cannot find a second-dose appointment at either vaccinate.virginia.gov<\/a> or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), they can email 2ndvaxdose@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a> and VDH will find an appointment for them.<\/p>\n Upcoming Webinar with a Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination Expert Panel<\/strong><\/p>\n All providers are invited to join a webinar on May 18 from 12:15 to 1:15 PM featuring a Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination Expert Panel to answer your questions.\u00a0 Additional information is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n