COVID-19 Vaccine Communications
- NEW Immunization Program Provider Training: COVID-19 vaccine for 6 months through 4/5 years video / slides (June 21, 2022)
- 6 month through 5 year COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering Guidance (June 2, 2022 e-mail communication)
- 6 month through 5 year COVID-19 Vaccination Communication Toolkit is available (May 27, 2022 e-mail communication)
- Important Reminder Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Storage (May 24, 2022 e-mail communication)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering Updates and Reminders: Opting out of Ancillary Kits (April 14, 2022 e-mail communication)
- Normalization in COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering Guidance
Updates
- Under 5 Update (06/16): On June 18, 2022 ACIP recommended both the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 2-dose primary series for children 6 months through 5 years, and the Pfizer 3-dose series for children 6 months through 4 years.
- Booster Update (05/24):
- On May 19, the ACIP expanded boosters to those 5 through 11 years old. The CDC has updated its clinical considerations.
- An 8-week interval may be optimal for some, especially males ages 12 to 39 years old
- Pfizer holds regular training on the proper management of their COVID-19 vaccines
- If your business or organization would like to host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic contact the state!
Three COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the vaccine comparison chart with key details for each vaccine from the Asociation of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
About the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
Booster doses are not approved for children 5 to 11 years old.
Resources
- Understanding and Explaining mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines (CDC) has information on the development and approval of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines
- Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine EUAs for Health Care Providers (FDA)
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Safety (CDC) includes general information about vaccine ingredients, side effects, efficacy data, and clinical trial demographics.
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (CDC) provides an overview of administration, storage, handling, and recent updates. It also includes many useful printable resources. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (5 Through 11 Years of Age) (CDC) is specific for the pediatric formulation.
- Pfizer-BioNTEch Frequently Asked Questions (FDA)
- About Vaccines (Vermont Department of Health)
About the Moderna Vaccine
Doses to be fully vaccinated
The Moderna vaccine requires two doses about 4-8 weeks apart. It takes 14 days after your second dose to be protected from COVID-19.
Resources
- Moderna Spikevax package insert (FDA)
- Moderna vaccine EUA for Health Care Providers (FDA)
- Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Safety (CDC) includes general information such as vaccine ingredients, side effects, efficacy data, and clinical trial demographics.
- Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (CDC) provides an overview of administration, storage, handling, and recent updates. It also includes many useful printable resources.
- Moderna Frequently Asked Questions (FDA)
- About Vaccines (Vermont Health Department)
About the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Vaccine
Resources
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) EUA for Health Care Providers (FDA)
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Safety (CDC) includes general information such as vaccine ingredients, side effects, efficacy data, and clinical trial demographics.
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine (CDC) is an overview of administration, storage, handling, and recent updates. It also includes many useful printable resources.
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Frequently Asked Questions (FDA)
- About Vaccines (Vermont Health Department)
ADDITIONAL AND BOOSTER DOSE RESOURCES
- Types of COVID-19 Vaccines Available (CDC)
- Recommendations for immunocompromised people (CDC)
- Talking to your patients who are immunocompromised (CDC)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots (CDC)
As new COVID-19 vaccines are approved, the CDC compiles resources on the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Product Information page.
To manage and administer vaccines through your office, you must enroll in the Vermont COVID-19 Vaccine Program, a separate process from how you may already be receiving other state-supplied vaccines.
The Immunization Program has engaged with independent, hospital-associated, and Federally Qualified Health Care (FQHC) provider offices. Most primary care offices are currently offering COVID-19 vaccine, or are in the process of doing so. We don't know when the COVID-19 vaccine will be provided through the Vermont Vaccine Program like other state-supplied vaccines, so enrollment is highly encouraged. Contact the Immunization Program at [email protected] for more information.
Non-primary care providers may also enroll to offer COVID-19 vaccines. This includes but is not limited to emergency medical services, home health care providers, pharmacies, urgent care facilities, specialty practices (ex: ob/gyn, pediatrics), substance use treatment and recovery centers, and college health centers. If your facility is interested in offering the COVID-19 vaccine, contact the Immunization Program at [email protected].
Enrollment Resources
Once enrolled, you will receive information primarily by email. It will be sent from [email protected], or [email protected] to the vaccine coordinator and back-up, as listed on your COVID-19 Enrollment form.
If you are an enrolled facility and need access to order or manage COVID-19 inventory, sign up for the Vaccine Inventory Management System (VIMS).
VIMS COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering Process
COVID-19 Expiration Date and Beyond Use Date (BUD) Guidance
Normalization in COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering Guidance
Immunization Program COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering Training video / slides (March 22, 2022 Provider Call)
The below steps must be done in order.
- VIMS Vaccine Adjustments Tutorial
- VIMS Vaccine Adjustments Quick Guide
- Hospital COVID-19 Vaccine Transfer Guide
- VIMS Reconciliation Process Tutorial
- VIMS Reconciliation Quick Guide
- Moderna Booster Reporting Guide
- VIMS User Guide for COVID-19 Vaccine Inventory Management
- Vaccine Ordering and VIMS web page
- Order Status and Shipment Tracking
- The Depot will send a follow-up e-mail for all Depot transfers.
- No further communication will come for Distributor orders.
- If a COVID-19 order is changed for whatever reason, the ordering team will communicate that with the practice.
Ancillary Supplies
COVID-19 vaccine comes with additional supplies to assist locations in administration. These supplies include needles, syringes, alcohol pads, vaccination cards, needle info cards, and PPE (e.g., face shields and surgical masks) for vaccinators. Ancillary supplies do not include sharps containers, gloves, or bandages.
Direct shipping or Depot Delivery
Place a depot request for all COVID-19 vaccines if any part of your order is below the minimum quantities. The Immunization Program will adjust your order to direct ship certain vaccines where appropriate.
Direct Ship
Depot Delivery
The depot delivers vaccine and ancillary supplies to sites that need less than the minimum order quantities. Deliveries are batched geographically, and the date is confirmed by email. When the vaccine supply is not limited, a monthly order is preferred to reduce the number of deliveries. All vaccines coming from the Depot should be placed in refrigerated temperatures unless otherwise stated.
Part of ensuring a safe and effective vaccine is administered to patients is providing proper storage and handling. The Health Department offers training guides, tools, and resources to help.
Receipt and Management of COVID-19 Vaccine: You may receive the COVID-19 vaccine through your umbrella organization, transferred from the Depot, or directly from the distributor. Each method varies in storage requirements, inventory management, and communication structure, outlined in this guidance document.
Temperature Monitoring
Temperature Excursions Protocol: Enrolled facilities must follow these steps whenever a vaccine has a period of being out of the appropriate temperature range. Never assume vaccine viability. Always contact the Immunization Program before taking any steps to change the vaccine temperature.
The Health Department provides enrolled locations with a temperature monitoring device compliant with CDC requirements. SensoScientific devices are cloud-based, and LogTag devices require a software download. Third-Party temperature monitoring is permitted only if it complies with the CDC requirements.
If you have any questions about temperature monitoring or vaccine storage and handling, please reach out to the Immunization Program at [email protected], 1-800-640-4374.
Expiration Date vs. Beyond Use Date
Expiration Date
- Is associated with a specific lot number and might be extended as new data is obtained.
- Dates presented on the manufacture box/vial may not be accurate. Any change to the expiration date is reflected in VIMS.
- The date on the pediatric Pfizer vial (orange label), and the adult Pfizer vial (gray label - not yet available) is the Manufacture's date NOT the expiration. Add 9 months to the labeled date for all documentation
Beyond Use Date (BUD)
- Once a BUD passes, the vaccine is no longer viable. It must be removed from storage, documented in VIMS as waste, and disposed of.
- Each vaccine has unique storage parameters. Check vaccine EUA before storing COVID-19 vaccine at your practice.
- When Pfizer vaccine is moved out of ultracold freezer storage and into refrigerated temperatures, it has a BUD that should be documented clearly. This is not its expiration date.
- BUD Tracking and adherence to a Beyond Use Date is the practice's responsibility and will not be reflected in VIMS.
Offsite Vaccine Clinics
COVID-19 Vaccine Storage and Handling for Off-site Clinics: The vaccine is at greater risk of temperature fluctuations when administered away from a monitored storage unit. Anyone participating in or planning an offsite COVID-19 clinic should review this guide well before the clinic date to ensure all preparations are made.
Vaccine Carrier Borrowing Program Guide: The Immunization Program has qualified vaccine carriers available to assist practices in conducting offsite clinics safely and confidently. You may request a vaccine carrier from the Immunization Program for temporary use and return it when no longer needed. The Vaccine Depot will deliver your vaccine carrier with a manufacturer user guide and a digital data logger.
Packing Vaccine for Transport during Emergencies (CDC): This guidance is only appropriate for the short transfer of vaccine between monitored units. The Immunization Program expects practices to take advantage of the Vaccine Carrier program and plan accordingly.
Offsite Hourly Vaccine Temperature Log: Use this document to track the time the vaccine leaves and returns to monitored storage and the hourly temperatures throughout the clinic as read on the provided LogTag device.
Minimizing Waste Policy: This Health Department policy will help sites reduce waste while ensuring no missed opportunities to vaccinate.
School Nurse Role During School-Located Vaccine Clinic: Information on what a school nurse can and can not assist with during an SLVC.
VAMS Quick Guides: If your clinic is using VAMS (Vaccine Administration Management System) please direct questions to [email protected], 1-802-863-7428 (8:00-4:30 M-F).
Resources
COVID-19 Vaccine: Quick Reference Guide for Healthcare Professionals (CDC): A printable table that provides basic information on the proper storage, preparation, and administration of the currently authorized COVID-19 vaccine products in the United States.
Storage and Handling Summary: The below CDC documents include vaccine storage and handling details in a concise, printable sheet.
Anyone administering the COVID-19 vaccine at your office should be familiar with the nuances of each vaccine. Consider taking the CDC’s General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization course for general information on vaccine administration.
Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines (CDC): Most COVID-19 administration questions can be answered through this frequently updated resource.
AUTHORIZED AGE GROUPS AND TIMING
Under the EUAs or full approval, the following age groups are authorized to receive a primary COVID-19 vaccination series:
- Pfizer-BioNTech – adult formulation (purple or gray cap): ages ≥12 years
- Pfizer-BioNTeach – pediatric formulation (orange cap): ages 5 through 11 years
- Pfizer-BioNTeach – pediatric formulation (maroon cap): ages 6 months through 4 years
- Moderna - adult formulation (lite blue border): ages ≥12 years
- Moderna - pediatric formulation (magenta border): ages 6 months through 5 years
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson): ages ≥18 years
Children and adolescents outside of these authorized age groups should not receive COVID-19 vaccination at this time.
See the additional primary dose and booster dose sections of the CDC’s Interim Clinical Considerations and Vaccines Available above for guidance on administration beyond the primary series.
Timing
- Pfizer-BioNTech – adult formulation, purple cap (Dilute, 30 µg, 0.3 ml each): 3-8 weeks apart
- Pfizer-BioNTech – adult formulation, gray cap (Do Not Dilute, 30 µg, 0.3 ml each): 3-8 weeks apart
- Pfizer-BioNTech – pediatric formulation, orange cap (Dilute, 10 µg, 0.2 ml each): three weeks (21 days) apart
- Pfizer-BioNTech – pediatric formulation, orange cap (Dilute, 10 µg, 0.2 ml each): three weeks (21 days) apart
- Moderna (100 µg, 0.5 ml): 4-8 weeks apart
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson): (500 µg, 0.5 ml): single dose
For mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna):
- Second doses administered within a grace period of ≤4 days from the recommended date for the second dose are considered valid.
- Any dose administered earlier than the 4 day grace period (17 days for Pfizer-BioNTech, 24 days for Moderna) should be repeated. The repeat dose should be spaced after the improperly spaced dose by the minimum interval
- The second dose should be administered as close to the recommended interval as possible. However, there is no maximum interval between the first and second dose for either vaccine.
- An 8-week interval may be optimal for some people ages 12 years and older, especially for males ages 12 to 39 years. A shorter interval (3 weeks for Pfizer-BioNTech; 4 weeks for Moderna) between the first and second doses remains the recommended interval for: people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised; adults ages 65 years and older; and others who need rapid protection due to increased concern about community transmission or risk of severe disease.
For guidance on any administration errors, see Appendix A: Vaccine administration errors and deviations from the Interim Clinical Considerations.
Resources
- Interim COVID-19 Immunization Schedule for Ages 5 Years and Older (CDC)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Errors Revaccination Guidance (CDC)
- COVID-19: Vaccine Patient Information: A Health Department handout to give patients after receiving their first dose of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech. This does not replace the EUA document. Translations are available.
- Pre-vaccination screening form (CDC), translations are available.
- Vaccine Clinic Walk-in Form
Assessing patient need
- Rates by Town (Vermont Department of Health)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard (Vermont Department of Health)
As your patients continue to get vaccinated at community clinics, utilize the IMR reporting tools to help inform outreach and vaccine needs at your practice.
- Patients who have not received any COVID-19 doses | VDH IMR
- Patients who have missed/are late for a second COVID-19 dose | VDH IMR
- Patients who have received a COVID-19 dose | VDH IMR
Pfizer-BioNTech (purple cap) - 12 years of age and older
- Preparation and Administration Summary (CDC)
- Standing Orders for Administering Vaccine (CDC)
- EUA factsheet for recipients - replaces the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS). Translations are available.
Pfizer-BioNTech (gray cap) - 12 years of age and older
- Preparation and Administration Summary (CDC)
- Standing Orders for Administering Vaccine (CDC)
- EUA factsheet for recipients - replaces the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS). Translations are available.
Pfizer-BioNTech (orange cap) - 5 through 11 years of age
- Preparation and Administration Summary (CDC)
- Standing Orders for Administering Vaccine (CDC)
- EUA factsheet for recipients - replaces the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS). Translations are available.
Moderna
- Preparation and Administration Summary (CDC)
- Standing Orders for Administering Vaccine (CDC)
- Moderna Spikevax package insert
- EUA Factsheet for recipients - replaces the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS). Translations are available.
Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
- Preparation and Administration Summary (CDC)
- Standing Orders for Administering Vaccine (CDC)
- EUA Factsheet for recipients - replaces the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS). Translations are available.
Side Effects
ANAPHYLAXIS
Anaphylaxis, an acute and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, has been reported following COVID-19 vaccination. Those administering COVID-19 vaccines should review the CDC’s Interim Considerations: Preparing for the Potential Management of Anaphylaxis After COVID-19 Vaccination.
V-safe
V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after a patient receives a COVID-19 vaccination. Enrolling to receive electronic health check-ins is a manual process where a patient registers online through a website or QR code. More information on V-safe can be found on www.cdc.gov/vsafe.
Information sheets and posters are available in English, Vietnamese, Spanish, Simplified Chinese and Korean from the CDC. The information sheets are also translated into the following languages:
Arabic | Burmese | French | Kirundi | Nepali | Somali | Spanish | Swahili | Vietnamese
VAERS
Health care providers are required by Vermont law to report any adverse events that happen after vaccination to VAERS. To report an adverse event, go to https://vaers.hhs.gov/ and fill out the VAERS online form or downloadable PDF.
Anyone can make a VAERS report, including a patient or a guardian. All adverse events should be reported as soon as possible and duplicate reporting is allowed. Please submit to VAERS even if you are unsure if a report should be filed.
- From Concern to Confidence: How Physicians Can Build Trust in COVID-19 Vaccines (ASTHO)
- Talking to Recipients about COVID-19 Vaccination (CDC): Communication resources for health care providers and staff
- COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence (CDC): the strategic framework of the CDC to strengthen vaccine confidence and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States.
- Answering patient’s questions (CDC)
- Understanding and Explaining mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines (CDC)
- Understanding and Explaining Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines (CDC)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Specific Groups (CDC)
- Pediatric Healthcare Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit (CDC)
Vermont Department of Health Resources
- Things you should know about the COVID-19 vaccine: A Health Department handout answering frequently asked questions: Arabic | Burmese | French | Kirundi | Nepali | Somali | Spanish | Swahili | Vietnamese
- New: What Families with Children Should Know About COVID-19 Vaccines (translations available soon)
- New: Poster encouraging families with children to ask providers about COVID-19 vaccines
- COVID-19 Vaccine Facts | Vermont Department of Health
- COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs | Vermont Department of Health
- Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine | Vermont Department of Health
- COVID-19 Vaccines for Children | Vermont Department of Health
About Taking Prevention Steps After Vaccination
Patients receiving the COVID-19 vaccine series should be advised to continue taking all prevention steps.
Webinars & Resources
- Vermont Health Alerts with vaccine recommendations
- SmartFind COVID-19 Vaccine ChatBot
- COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar Series (CDC)
COVID-19 Immunization Program Office Hours
Vermont Vaccine Program Updates
- April 2022 (Current)
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
Additional Training
- NEW Immunization Program Training video / slides (March 22, 2022)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Clinic Training Packet for Vaccinators: We continue to provide vaccines to the eligible public. To do this, we need health professionals to give vaccinations. This training is both required training if working in a Health Department-run clinic, and a list of references to help prepare for large vaccination clinics if called upon.
CDC Webinars
- What Clinicians Need to Know About Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination of Adolescents.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Training: General Overview of Immunization Best Practices for Healthcare Professionals. This module provides healthcare providers who will be administering the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know: This module covers information specific to the Pfizer-BionTech vaccine
- Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know: This module covers information specific to the Moderna vaccine.
- Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson): What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know: This module covers information specific to the Janssen vaccine.
Contact Us
Call 802-863-7240