May 25, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
POMA continues to monitor the rapidly changing information surrounding the spread of COVID-19.
In an effort to provide accurate and helpful information to POMA members, we have gathered some of the resources we are finding to be most useful and accurate at this time. We hope this helps you in staying on top of the latest developments in the spread of the disease and in helping your patients.
Stay safe and healthy!
New Headlines
CDC Expands Eligibility of COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses
Following the meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices last week, the CDC has expanded eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone 5 years of age and older. The CDC now recommends that children ages 5-11 should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer vaccination series. Those 12 and older who are immunocompromised, and those 50 and older, should receive a second booster dose at least 4 months after their first. Officials recommend if you haven't had a vaccine dose since the beginning of December 2021 and you are eligible, now is the time to get a booster shot.
Read the full CDC news release ►
FDA Sets June Meeting Dates to Review COVID Vaccines for Kids Under 5; CDC Releases Guide to Help Physicians Prepare
The FDA will review COVID-19 vaccine data for American children under the age of 5 on June 14-15. The outside panel of vaccine experts will meet to review applications from Moderna emergency authorization request for its COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to 5 years and Pfizer's vaccine for children aged 6 months through 4 years.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new information to help physicians prepare to vaccinate children under 5 years against COVID-19. It is anticipated that one or both vaccines could be available in June.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Setup in Harrisburg and Reading
The Pennsylvania Departments of Health (DOH) and Human Services (DHS) are partnering with health centers in Harrisburg and Reading, and Medical Assistance managed care organizations to host vaccination clinics to encourage COVID-19 vaccination.
Vaccines are available by appointment and walkup. Clinics will take place through the week at the following locations:
- Harrisburg Dates:
- Wednesday, May 18 - Highmark Wholecare Connection Center, 1426 N 3rd Street - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Thursday, May 19 - Hamilton Health Center, 110 S. 17th Street - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday, May 20 - Hamilton Health Center, 110 S. 17th Street - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Reading Dates:
- Wednesday, May 18 - 1040 Liggett Avenue - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Thursday, May 19 - 1110 Rockland Street - 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Friday, May 20 - 838 Penn Street - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
PA Department of Health Continues to Offer Free COVID-19 Testing
The Department of Health is offering free COVID-19 testing to the public at four locations across the state. Testing sites are open to anyone who feels they need a test. Registration will be completed on-site. Below are the current testing locations:
- Berks County - Tuesday-Saturday - Direct Link Technologies in Reading, PA
- Blair County - Monday-Friday - Blair County CBTs in Altoona
- Clinton County - Tuesday-Saturday - Parsons Union Building in Lock Haven, PA
- Erie County - Monday-Friday - Edinboro University in Edinboro, PA
In addition, Pennsylvanians can find testing sites in their area on the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Viral Testing Sites locator map.
Pennsylvania's COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Pennsylvania is currently administering the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine, the Spikevax (Moderna) vaccine and the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination numbers for Pennsylvania do not include Philadelphia, which is its own jurisdiction, or federal facilities, which are working directly with the federal government.
According to the PA Department of Health, as of May 25th, 19,704,568 total doses have been administered, including 3,441,043 first booster doses since August 13, 2021; 463,347 second booster doses since March 29, 2022, and 579,985 pediatric doses (aged 5-11) since November 2, 2021.
There are 7,440,315 fully vaccinated people in Pennsylvania.
Facts on Vax Resources Now Available
Osteopathic physicians and their practice teams play a key role in preventing COVID-19 infections among patients and communities. Check out the Facts on Vax website for a variety of educational materials, tools and resources that will help you discuss the importance of COVID-19 prevention with your patients.
Facts on Vax is a partnership of osteopathic organizations committee to lowering the rates of COVID-19 through prevention - POMA is a member of the coalition. We are collaborating in partnership to prepare osteopathic physicians to discuss the importance of COVID-19 prevention, including vaccinations, with patients.
Find resources and learn more ►
PA Health Alert Network (PA HAN) - Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates
Previously Published but Relevant Headlines
PA DOH Video Resource About COVID Vaccine Safety
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Director of the Vaccine Education Center and Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Paul Offit have developed a video resource for Pennsylvanians to answer questions about COVID vaccine safety. The video includes a review of the vaccine approval process through the FDA, including the Emergency Use Authorization. They also discuss information on the increasing scientific data on the safety of vaccines for children and pregnant women and the effectiveness of the vaccine against variants, with a highlighted focus on effectiveness against the delta variant.
Dr. Johnson said "With so much information and misinformation out there, access to reliable and trusted sources can help you make the best decision for you and your family... It's essential that we continue to inform and educate Pennsylvanians about the COVID-19 vaccines, because good information leads to good decisions."
Anyone can access and share this video resource on Facebook or PAcast.
Updated Pennsylvania Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Cases, Graphics, Resources
Briefings and Updates from Pa. Governor Wolf and the Department of Health
Resources from the CDC
The CDC has provided guidance and resources for healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, laboratories, as well as information for schools and childcare, businesses and employers, community and faith-based organizations, and the general public. Visit the CDC COVID-19 webpage for more information.
POMA will continue monitoring COVID-19 and provide updates and recommendations from PA-DOH, the CDC, the WHO and local health agencies. POMA's COVID-19 webpage and social media channels will be updated as information is shared from these organizations.
If you have any comments or questions for POMA, please email us at [email protected].
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