Weekly Wrap Up

In this message:

•  FDA Approves and Authorizes Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines; 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Formulation No Longer Authorized
• Planning for Fall/Winter Virus Season
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunization Recommendations
• Vaccines for Children (VFC) Vaccine Ordering Updates
• Under Review: California Bridge Access Program (BAP) Extension

• Upcoming Webinars and Trainings

• Support Opportunities  

FDA Approves and Authorizes Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines; 2023 - 2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Formulation No Longer Authorized

The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been updated to the 2024 – 2025 formulation per FDA action on Thursday, August 22, 2024. The updated 2024 – 2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines contain KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2. Currently the main variant is KP.3.1.1, which is from the JN.1 lineage and closely related to KP.2. Receiving an updated 2024 – 2025 COVID-19 vaccine this fall provides better protection against the current strains.

All 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use and should not be administered. The 2023 – 2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine remains authorized but is no longer available in the United States, as all doses have expired. Providers should note the following regarding the 2023 – 2024 COVID-19 vaccine formulation to minimize risk of vaccination errors:

• Please remove the product from your inventory, and report them as expired, regardless of expiration date and return to McKesson. Please click here for instructions.
• Providers can no longer order the 2023 – 2024 COVID-19 vaccine formulation on myCAvax.
• Orders that have been placed prior to this announcement and are in flight and any order that has been placed but not approved or sent to CDC will be rejected and will not ship.
• Orders submitted and approved to CDC or your LHD for fulfillment prior to the new authorizations may be in transit. Upon receiving, please report as expired and return to McKesson. Do not reject them.
  

Once supply becomes available, providers should begin administering the 2024 – 2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine formulation. CDC and CDPH guidance documents will be updated in coming weeks.

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Planning for Fall / Winter Virus Season

For information and resources on COVID-19, influenza, and RSV immunizations and treatment, refer to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Planning for Fall/Winter Virus Season presentation. Other resources include CDPH’s Fall-Winter Immunizations and EZIZ Flu Materials.

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunization Recommendations

For current immunization recommendations to prevent severe RSV disease in infants and older adults, refer to slides 29 – 35 in the CDPH Updates for Providers webinar, on August 23, 2024 (slides | recording) and the CDC RSV Immunization Page.

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Vaccines for Children (VFC) Vaccine Ordering Updates

The CDPH Influenza Vaccine Product Guide 2024 – 2025 has been updated and includes:

• 6 months and older

• 3 years and older

• 2 years – 49 years old and healthy

• 18 years and older

For updates on VFC vaccine ordering for COVID-19, flu, and RSV refer to slides 37 – 47 in the Immunization Updates for Providers webinar, on August 23, 2024 (slides | recording)

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Under Review: California Bridge Access Program (BAP) Extension

CDC has indicated additional 317 funds will be made available to continue to support COVID-19 vaccine ordering for uninsured and underinsured adults during the upcoming 2024 – 2025 respiratory season.

With the additional funds, CDPH will work on extending COVID-19 vaccine ordering within the same infrastructure in place for the California Bridge Access Program (BAP).

Additional details will be forthcoming, including if new provider participation agreements need to be signed, and potential slight name change.

CDC will officially close the BAP, including the Federal BAP-Pharmacy arm of BAP.

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Upcoming Webinars

Public Health Communications Collaborative - New Approaches to Vaccine Communication

• Register for the webinar: Monday, August 26, 2024, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, PT

Emerging Conversations: Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Available Soon: What You Need to Know

• Register for the webinar: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 12:00 pm (PT)

Virtual Health Plan Forum on Advancing Adolescent Immunization

• Register for the webinar: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (PT)

CDPH Immunization Branch Updates for Providers Webinar (occurs every other Friday)

• Register for the next session: Friday September 6, 2024, 9:00 am – 10:30 am, (PT)

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Support Opportunities 

Provider Call Center 

For program information: Email providercallcenter@cdph.ca.gov or call (833) 502-1245 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, PT).

myCAvax Help Desk 

For technical issues (e.g., password resets): Email myCAvax.HD@cdph.ca.gov or call (833) 502-1245, (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, PT). 

System-related training materials are available via the Knowledge Center in myCAvax.

My Turn Help Desk 

Onboarding: email myturnonboarding@cdph.ca.gov

Technical support for My Turn Clinic: email MyTurn.Clinic.HD@cdph.ca.gov or call (833) 502-1245, Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (PT). 

Job aids, demos, and training opportunities 

VFC Customer Service Center

For program information: Email myVFCvaccines@cdph.ca.gov or call (877) 243-8832, Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm; Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (PT).

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