COVID-19 Bulletin

October 4, 2021

Here is today’s COVID-19 update. 

Bi-State continues to keep our website updated with the latest on the Bi-State COVID-19 Resources webpage. This links to various credible COVID-19 resources, archives all Bi-State COVID-19 Bulletins, and holds a section of resources for patients.

NH Epi Team Calls

Here is the website where info is posted for these Thursday-at-noontime calls, which have resumed twice a month, on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. The next call will be October 14th.   

Bi-State took detailed notes on the 9/30 ad hoc call that was announced in the HAN. Here are the Epi Team's slides, which include:  

• DHHS is using a new vendor platform for HANs
• New section on CDC Clinical Considerations for use of a Pfizer booster after completion of a Pfizer primary vaccine series (updated 9/27)

There are lots of changes possibly coming in the next several weeks/by Halloween, including:

• Booster doses for people who got their primary series with Moderna
• Heterologous (Mixed Vaccine) dosing
• COVID-19 vaccine availability for 5-11 year olds
• Continued roll-out of Pfizer-BioNTech booster doses – priority is still vaccinating the unvaccinated and giving boosters to high-risk groups, such as those 65 years of age and older

Source: NH Division of Public Health Services, 9/30/21 Partner Call

NH Medical Society Bulletin – 10/3/2021

Click here to view a PDF of the NH Medical Society's 10/3 Newsletter with the latest COVID-19 news.

Whenever possible, efficient and medically appropriate, please promote co-administration of flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as most modeling suggests a stronger return of influenza infections this year since the mitigation strategies promoted last fall are not being utilized as frequently this fall.

VT Vaccine Program Update

A Vermont Vaccine Program Update was released on September 30, 2021.  Included is information on booster doses, COVID-19 expiration and beyond use date information, and guidance for the 21/22 Flu Season including ordering, offsite clinics, and co-administration with COVID-19 vaccines.  To get the information directly to your inbox, subscribe!

CDC HAN: Vaccinate Pregnant Women

On September 29, the CDC released a HAN issuing urgent action guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant people to prevent serious illness, deaths, and adverse pregnancy outcomes from COVID-19. Read the full health alert here.

COCA Call Recording from September 28th

The COCA Call presented on September 28 entitled "What Clinicians Need to Know About the Latest CDC Recommendations for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Booster Vaccination" is recorded here. This was a fantastic overview of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccination including recommendations, safety of booster dose, and clinical guidance for using the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccine.

2021-2022 Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Communities Awards Competition

OPEN 2021-2022 Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Communities Awards Competition: The Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Communities Award program will re-launch with two award periods over the next six months thanks to the generosity of the Henry Schein Cares Foundation (HSCF). This award supports community-based screening events and campaigns. Up to 12 CHCs will be provided a $10,000 cash award along with up to $5,000 in donated products for a single screening event or on-going screening campaign. Six CHCs are expected to be awarded in each round. FQHCs and Look-a-Likes (LALs) who are NACHC Organizational Members in good standing (dues up to date through 09/30/21) are eligible. Please check with membership@nachc.org if you are concerned about your status. You can access the application using this link and a PDF version can be found here. Please send any questions to Jason Patnosh at jpatnosh@nachc.org.

• Round 1: Fall 2021: application open now-October 29, 2021; winners announced: November 15, 2021; project period: January 1, 2022-December 31, 2022
• Round 2: Winter 2022 application opens February 1, 2022-March 11, 2022; project period: May 1, 2022-December 31, 2022 (note, 7-month period)

Flu News and Resources and Literature

The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) gathered recent news and resources/literature together on their website.   Southern Hemisphere flu vaccine picks and persistence of racial inequities in receipt of influenza vaccination among nursing home residents in the United States are the top articles in each section.

Resiliency Coaching Sessions and Trainings

re·sil·ience /rəˈzilyəns/

Resiliency Coaching Sessions/Trainings are underway! It’s not too late to register for future sessions, be able to watch the recordings, and access materials. Too pressed for time during the live sessions? If you want to watch or listen at any time (or while you do dishes) recordings on Vermont Health Learn, there is a pathway forward. Please register here: https://forms.office.com/r/dhRTg5EZnJ

Questions for Bi-State