June 23, 2021

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!


COVID_Webpage


New Headlines

CDC Panel Holds Meeting on Possible Heart Inflammation Link to Covid Shots

A key Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel is holding a meeting today, Wednesday, June 23, to discuss rare, but higher-than-expected, reports of heart inflammation in 16-24-year-olds after receiving their second dose of Pfizer's or Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines.

There were nearly 800 reported cases of heart problems to the vaccine safety monitor system as of last month according to the U.S. agency.

As of the publication of this newsletter, the meeting has not concluded. POMA will share any updates from the meeting on our social media channels.


CMS Code Updates

EUA for Sotrovimab Monoclonal Antibody Product - On May 26, the FDA released an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for sotrovimab, a COVID-19 monoclonal antibody product. CMS created new HCPCS codes, effective May 26, for sotrovimab and to administer sotrovimab in health care settings and the home.

View codes►

EUA for Regeneron Monoclonal Antibody Product Casirivimab & Imdevimab - On June 3, the FDA released a revised Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Regeneron’s COVID-19 monoclonal antibody combination product casirivimab and imdevimab. The updated EUA includes a new dosing regimen (1200 mg vs. 2400 mg) and allows a new route of administration. In response to this change, CMS created a new HCPCS code, effective June 3, and updated the short and long code descriptors for 2 codes.

View codes►


June is National COVID-19 Month of Action

The HHS "We Can Do This" COVID-19 Community Corps has named June the National COVID-19 Month of Action in an effort to get those in our communities vaccinated by July 4th. The National Vaccine Month of Action is a collaborative effort with thousands of national organizations, community-based partners, and everyday people, who will help open lines of communication, listen to concerns, and help people make informed decisions about the COVID-19 vaccinations.

You can find ways to participate here.


Pennsylvania's COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Pennsylvania is currently administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Moderna COVID-19 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, this week, a total of 13,146,080 doses will have been allocated through June 26.

As of June 22, a total of 11,482,733 doses have been administered:

  • First/single doses: 6,640,644
  • Partially vaccinated: 1,364,816
  • Fully vaccinated: 5,275,816
According to the CDC, as of June 23, 59.1% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.

POMA Members Can Receive PPE Discounts

Through POMA's partnership with ActionPPE.org, we are able to help our members acquire proper PPE supplies.  Launched in South Carolina, ActionPPE has supplied over 2.6 million units of PPE to members of over 20 state medical organizations through a reputable and certified supplier.  By pooling resources, POMA members receive a 5% discount on PPE orders when they use the discount code POMA-SAVE5. Product details and certificates for masks, gowns, gloves, face shields, etc. are provided on the site with most items in-stock and shipping directly to your office.


 PA Health Alert Network (PA HAN) - Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates


 Previously Published but Relevant Headlines

COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Map

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has launched a provider map along with an eligibility survey on its website to help those eligible, including health care workers not affiliated with a hospital, find a location to schedule a vaccine appointment.

Users can search by location, type in an address or zip code and filter by facility type.


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]

Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association | 1330 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 939-9318 | www.poma.org