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February 22, 2023
Dear Colleagues,
POMA continues to monitor the 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
COVID Remains a Global Emergency but Pandemic Era Nearing End
Last month, the World Health Organization said COVID-19 remains a global health emergency, but is hopeful that the world will transition out of the emergency phase of the pandemic this year. This new phase would reduce hospitalizations and deaths to the lowest possible level, and health systems would be able to manage COVID-19 in an integrated and sustainable way.
The Biden administration later announced that it will end COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11, 2023. Among other things, the costs of COVID-19 vaccines, some tests and certain treatments covered under the public health emergency will be transferred to private insurance and government health plans.
Click here to read the full statement of administration policy ►
CDC Adds COVID Vaccines to Routine Immunization Schedules
On February 9, 2023, the CDC formally added COVID-19 vaccines to its immunization schedule for children, adolescents and adults. Under the new guidelines,
- Healthy children 6 months to 4 years old should receive a primary series of two doses of either the Moderna or Prizer-BioNTech monovalent COVID-19 vaccine followed by a third dose of a bivalent vaccine.
- Children ages 5 to 11 years old should receive two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine followed by a bivalent shot.
- Children 12 years and older and adults should get either two doses of the Moderna, Pfizer or Novavax vaccine followed by a bivalent booster.
Click here to visit the CDC's Immunization Schedule webpage which outlines the changes to the child, adolescent and adult immunization schedules for 2023.
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 February 16th, 25,529,934 total doses have been administered, including 4,211,538 first booster doses since August 13, 2021; 893,007 second booster doses since March 29, 2022; 2,055,708 bivalent booster doses since September 2, 2022. Since November 2, 2021, 748,585 pediatric doses (aged 5-11) have been administered and 36,153 bivalent boosters (aged 5-11) have been administered since October 12, 2022. Since June 18, 2022, 165,194 pediatric doses (aged 0-4) have been administered and 5,200 bivalent booster doses (aged 0-4) have been administered since December 9, 2022.
In Pennsylvania, there are 8,962,520 fully vaccinated people and 2,055,711 boosted people.
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
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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