August 24, 2022
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!
New Headlines
CDC Streamlines COVID-19 Guidance
On August 11, the CDC streamlined its COVID-19 guidance to help people better understand their risk, how to protect themselves and others, what actions to take if exposed to COVID-19, and what actions to take if they are sick or tested positive for COVID-19. The CDC says "This updated guidance acknowledges that the pandemic is not over, but also helps us move to a point where COVID-19 no longer severely disrupts our daily lives."
In the coming weeks, the CDC is working to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for healthcare settings, congregate settings at higher risk of transmission and travel, to the updated guidance.
Read the press release ►
POMA to Release First CME-Eligible Podcast Episode on Friday, August 26
Be sure to check out the latest episode of the POMA DOes... podcast series this Friday as we discuss "Collaborating to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy In Our Communities." The episode features a roundtable discussion with a patient advocate, a pediatrician, an infectious disease specialist and a psychologist who talk about COVID-19 vaccine options, technologies and patient concerns. Tune in to pick up tips on how you can collaborate effectively to provide patient-centered care and address vaccine hesitancy.
1.0 AOA Category 1-B CME credit will be available to POMA members who listen to the episode and attest. Visit the POMA DOes podcast webpage for more information.
This podcast episode was supported by the Facts on Vax coalition which works to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in our communities and is supported by a grant from Pfizer. This episode was developed entirely by POMA. None of the panelists or planners for this episode have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.
POMA is an accredited provider of CME. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the AOA.
PA Department of Health Continues to Offer Free COVID-19 Testing
The Department of Health is offering free COVID-19 testing to the public at seven locations across the state. Testing sites are open to anyone who feels they need a test. Registration will be completed on-site. Below are the current testing locations:
- Berks County - Tuesday-Saturday - Direct Link Technologies in Reading, PA
- Blair County - Monday-Friday - Blair County CBTs in Altoona, PA
- Centre County - Tuesday-Saturday - 219 S. Water Street in Bellefonte, PA
- Clarion County - Monday-Friday - Clarion University in Clarion, PA
- Clinton County - Tuesday-Saturday - Parsons Union Building in Lock Haven, PA
- Erie County - Monday-Friday - Edinboro University in Edinboro, PA
- Washington County - Monday-Friday - California University in California, PA
In addition, Pennsylvanians can find testing sites in their area on the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Viral Testing Sites locator map.
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 August 24th, 22,927,087 total doses have been administered, including 4,113,674 first booster doses since August 13, 2021; 797,562 second booster doses since March 29, 2022; 702,516 pediatric doses (aged 5-11) since November 2, 2021; and 67,021 pediatric doses (aged 0-4) since June 18, 2022.
There are 8,525,377 fully vaccinated people in Pennsylvania.
Facts on Vax Resources Available
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
PA DOH Video Resource About COVID Vaccine Safety
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Director of the Vaccine Education Center and Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Paul Offit have developed a video resource for Pennsylvanians to answer questions about COVID-19 vaccine safety. The video includes a review of the vaccine approval process through the FDA, including the Emergency Use Authorization. They also discuss information on the increasing scientific data on the safety of vaccines for children and pregnant women and the effectiveness of the vaccine against variants, with a highlighted focus on effectiveness against the delta variant.
Dr. Johnson said "With so much information and misinformation out there, access to reliable and trusted sources can help you make the best decision for you and your family... It's essential that we continue to inform and educate Pennsylvanians about the COVID-19 vaccines, because good information leads to good decisions."
Anyone can access and share this video resource on Facebook or PAcast.
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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