ADHS initiates pandemic vaccine onboarding
Although it is unknown if or when a COVID-19 vaccine will become available, the Arizona Department of Health Services has initiated onboarding for providers who would like to administer future COVID-19 vaccines. As an initial step, providers must complete the Vaccine Provider Onboarding Tool on the ADHS website. Onboarding is not an instantaneous process. It will take the Department’s Immunization Program Office time to add providers to ASIIS and review requirements. ADHS recommends providers initiate the onboarding process as soon as possible.
The onboarding tool has high-level requirements for the signatory provider. Provider staff can go to AIPO Train to learn how to order, receive, store, administer, document, and account for pandemic vaccines in ASIIS.
ADHS to discuss federal data reporting
The Arizona Department of Health Services has completed its work with Juvare and the federal Department of Health and Human Services to add the HHS teletrack questions into EMResource. Hospitals that opt into this program, will be able to have ADHS report federally required data elements directly to HHS.
ADHS has scheduled a call with hospitals Friday, September 18 at 2 p.m. to explain the process and discuss next steps.
To obtain the call-in information, email [email protected].
CDC updates guidance for Immunization Providers
The CDC updated its interim guidance last week stating, “COVID-Exposed Persons Should Temporarily Forego Scheduled Vaccinations.” The CDC acknowledges maintaining up-to-date vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential, but states people who have been identified as having been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19 should not be scheduled for vaccinations until their quarantine and/or isolation period is over.
New, bipartisan COVID-19 relief package emerges in House
A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives are mobilizing around a new COVID-19 relief proposal. The $1.6 trillion package contains several key provisions that would help hospitals and health systems, including $100 billion for testing and health care (with $45 billion for Medicare loan forgiveness), worker and liability protections, and $500 billion to help state, local and territorial governments with COVID-19-related expenses and budget shortfalls. It also would provide $290 billion for small businesses and non-profits through the Paycheck Protection Program and Main Street Lending Program. The group leading this new effort, the Problem Solvers Caucus, is comprised of 25 House Democrats and 25 House Republicans whose focus is reaching consensus on priority issues that emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from health care to education to unemployment benefits.
Providing a little extra care for our frontline healthcare workers
The Frontline Impact Project connects health care workers and first responders with non-PPE items such as food, beverages, housing, skincare and mental health services for employee teams as small as 10 to 30,000 team members or more. Hospitals should designate a single point person to submit and manage requests through www.frontlineimpact.org. Products are donated by leading brands at no charge. Products are shipped directly to the hospital.