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Author: Aimee Lin

VIS Updates: Hepatitis B and PCV

VIS Updates: Hepatitis B and PCV

The vaccine information statements (VIS) for hepatitis B and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) including Prevnar 13, Vaxneuvance, and Prevnar 20 have been updated. Access the updated documents below:
Please take a few minutes to update any links to these documents in your EHR/EMR system and replace any printed copies of the documents.

VFC/VFAAR Re-enrollment Opens in Two Weeks!

VFC/VFAAR Re-enrollment Opens in Two Weeks!

The Philadelphia Vaccines for Children (VFC)/ Vaccines for Adults at Risk (VFAAR) annual re-enrollment period will take place June 1 – 30, 2023. For the fourth year, the enrollment will be done electronically through PhilaVax.To get your site ready for re-enrollment, complete these steps now.1. Update Clinic ToolsReview the information indicated for your site the Clinic Tools, Clinic Information module. Use these job aids to guide you though making needed updates to the clinic’s:
2. Make sure you have the access to PhilaVax you need.The vaccine coordinators and medical director must log into the PhilaVax IIS to access, complete and sign the electronic re-enrollment form. If you have not completed the 2023 User Confidentiality Agreement to renew your account or do not have a PhilaVax user account, use the link below to complete it now.PhilaVax User Confidentiality Agreement
If you have a PhilaVax account and need to update your password, you can email PhilaVax@phila.gov for assistance.Additional information and instructions will be communicated closer to the start of the re-enrollment period.Re-enrollment is a requirement for the VFC/VFAAR programs. Failure to complete the re-enrollment form will result in un-enrollment.Questions? Email our team at DPHProviderHelp@phila.gov.

J&J/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Expiration May 6, 2023

J&J/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Expiration May 6, 2023

This is a reminder that all remaining doses of J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in the United States will expire on May 6, 2023.  All channels should prepare to clear their COVID-19 vaccine inventory of J&J/Janssen and discontinue further administration of this vaccine.The CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Agreement specifically requires providers to:
  • dispose of expired COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with local regulations and processes regulating medical waste, and
  • report disposed as wastage in VTrckS
The Operational Summary for Identifying, Disposing, and Reporting COVID-19 Vaccine Wastage l CDC provides information to help awardees and immunization managers identify, handle, dispose of, and report waste in COVID-19 vaccination programs.The administration of expired vaccines continues to be a significant issue based on VAERS reporting. You can help prevent these errors by ensuring J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is removed from your storage units and disposing of it according to state and local regulations.

National Infant Immunization Week

National Infant Immunization Week

April 24 – 30, 2023
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is a yearly observance highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). This year, in particular, it’s critical to ensure that families stay on track for children’s routine checkups and recommended vaccinations following disruptions from COVID-19.Research has consistently shown that healthcare professionals are the most trusted and influential source of vaccine information for parents. All staff in healthcare practices, including non-clinical staff, play important roles during NIIW.
To highlight childhood immunizations this NIIW:

Print and Digital Immunization Resources

Print and Digital Immunization Resources

We hope that 2023 is treating you well!We wanted to share some new resources with you from our team and the CDC. In addition to the digital resources linked below, we mailed out some great materials. Look for them in your mailbox this week!Looking for the most up to date immunization news? We got you!

Order Print Materials

Pediatric Immunization Techniques Training

Pediatric Immunization Techniques Training

Wednesday, May 3, 2023, from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
**Please arrive 15 minutes early. Late arrivals will not be able to attend.** The Immunization Program is hosting a FREE Pediatric Immunization Techniques training this spring. Class participants are limited and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. A maximum of 20 participants will be accepted. Participants can only attend one training per year.This half-day, interactive education session will focus on the basics of vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccine types, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and requirements, and pediatric immunization administration techniques.We encourage attendance by Nurses and Medical Assistants who administer vaccines or who will be administering vaccines to pediatric patients in the future. This course is beneficial to new practitioners as well as seasoned practitioners who need a refresher course or would like an update on best practices for administering vaccines.We hope to see you there!

Adolescent Immunization Action Week is Here!

Adolescent Immunization Action Week is Here!

April 3 to April 7, 2023

Vaccination helps prevent adolescents and young adults from getting sick and missing out on activities that are important to them. Help keep adolescents up to date on their immunizations against potentially life-threatening diseases like meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, HPV-related cancers, COVID-19, and flu.

Novavax 10 Dose Vials Unavailable to Order After 4/5/2023

Novavax 10 Dose Vials Unavailable to Order After 4/5/2023

April 5 will be the last date to order 10 dose vials of Novavax. These doses will be short-dated, with an expiration date of 4/30/23. After 4/30, please discard all Novavax doses.
To maintain a non-mRNA vaccine option on site, 5 dose vials of Novavax will be available to order starting the week of 4/10/23, with a minimum ordering quantity of 100 doses.

PhilaVax Closed to Orders from 3/29 through 4/4

PhilaVax Closed to Orders from 3/29 through 4/4

PhilaVax will be temporarily closed to new VFC/VFAAR orders from 12PM on Wednesday, March 29, until 9AM on Tuesday, April 4, while the vaccine prices are updated for 2023.During this time, any orders entered into PhilaVax IIS will be deleted from the system and not processed.If you need to a place an order, submit it before 12 PM on Wednesday, March 29.  Normal order processing and shipping will resume at 9 AM on Tuesday, April 4.

Ukrainian Refugee Engagement Survey

Ukrainian Refugee Engagement Survey

The PDPH Immunization Program is interested in engaging further with providers who see patients that identify as Ukrainian refugees. Please provide answers to the below questions to the best of your ability, as it applies to your practice.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact aleah.mckenzie@phila.gov, veronica.alvarez@phila.gov, or thang.song@phila.gov.