Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine: Coming Soon

On July 11, 2022, Novavax announced that the U.S. government is purchasing 3.2 million doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. On July 13, 2022, the FDA authorized emergency use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. CDC and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup recommendations are pending. CDPH will continue to provide updates regarding Novavax COVID-19 vaccine ordering.

Pfizer Pediatric (5-11 years) Vaccine Short Expiration Date

The Pfizer pediatric (5-11 years) vaccine that is currently shipping has an expiration date of August 31, 2022. Due to this short date expiration, please make sure to order appropriately to ensure administration before August 31, 2022. 

Please review the Pfizer Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers for 5-11 Years of Age, Orange Cap for expiration details.

Infant/Toddler (6 months - 4 years) and Pediatric (5 years - 11 years) Vaccination Coverage

The CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) analyzed U.S. county-level vaccine administration data from November 2021 to April 2022:

• 87.5% of counties analyzed had at least one active vaccine provider.
• Approximately half did not have a pediatric, family medicine clinic, or FQHC.
• Most had at least one pharmacy or public health clinic.
• Vaccination coverage for 5-11-years-old was higher in counties with at least 1 active vaccine provider.

Responding to Vaccine Administration Errors

COVID-19 vaccine providers should know what to do if a vaccine administration error occurs. Errors can include the following:

• wrong age group
• incorrect dilution volume
• incorrect injection volume
• administering expired vaccine

• Notify patient of the vaccine administration error
• Refer to CDC's revaccination guidance to determine whether revaccination is recommended
• Contact CAIR to determine how the dose should be entered
• Report to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS): Required 
• Report to the Vaccine Errors Reporting System (VERP): Strongly encouraged

Reporting Race and Ethnicity Reminder 

As part of California’s commitment to ensure that COVID-19 vaccine is equitably available, providers should record the race or ethnicity of everyone who receives COVID-19 vaccine. Please ensure that all clinic staff record this information by whichever method is being used to submit data to your local immunization registry. To support this reporting requirement, feel free to post this poster in your clinic.

myCAvax Release 28 Update 

Please view the Provider Release 28 Updates for a complete explanation of new functionalities and how they impact you.