October 12, 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!


COVID_Webpage


New Headlines

CDC Expands Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines to Include Children Ages 5-11

Today, the CDC authorized the use of the updated bivalent COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5-11 years old.  This follows the FDA's emergency use authorization of updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech for children ages 5-11 years, and from Moderna for children ages 6 through 17 years.  The changes mean that children and teens can get COVID-19 boosters that provide protection against the Omicron subvariants as long as they are at least two months past their primary vaccine series or last booster dose.

Providers will be notified by the PA Department of Health as to when they should order vaccine doses in PA SIIS.

Click here to read the CDC media release 


PA DOH Issues Updated Guidance for Healthcare Personnel following CDC Updates

On September 30, 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Health released updated guidance for  healthcare personnel exposed to COVID-19 and return to work guidance for healthcare personnel with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.  Updated interim infection prevention and control recommendations were also released.  These updates pertain only to healthcare personnel and their need for work restrictions, and infection prevention and control in healthcare settings.

The PA DOH updates are based on changes made by the CDC on September 23.  Click here to view the CDC Recommendations and Summary of Recent Changes.


COVIDPodcast

Be sure to check out the August 26th episode of the POMA DOes... podcast series 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.

AOA Category 1-B patient safety CME credit is 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.


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 October 12th, 23,755,220 total doses have been administered, including 4,146,209 first booster doses since August 13, 2021; 849,882 second booster doses since March 29, 2022; 618,363 bivalent booster doses since September 2, 2022; 717,201 pediatric doses (aged 5-11) since November 2, 2021; and 119,074 pediatric doses (aged 0-4) since June 18, 2022.

There are 8,669,400 fully vaccinated people in Pennsylvania.


FactsonVax

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]

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