Vaccination Update
The federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long Term Care program continues to be carried out in LeadingAge NY member facilities across the state. Most nursing home clinics will be completed soon, and most adult care facilities (ACFs) have received their first clinic date and will receive their second within the month.
While initially included in the Pharmacy Partnership at the federal level, New York did not formally include Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 202 housing in the State roll-out of the federal program. Some HUD 202s, however, are scheduling clinics with pharmacies and moving forward, though not all originally enrolled. LeadingAge NY continues to communicate with the Department of Health (DOH) and regional vaccination hubs for on-site clinics at HUD 202 housing, affordable senior housing, and independent living. We have developed an action alert for members to voice their support for on-site vaccination options in their regions; click here to advocate.
Moving forward on the state level, as members know, the priority populations for vaccination were expanded in mid-January to include those 75 and older, the 1b population (essential workers), and those 65 and over. The State and regional hubs are not seeing allocations to match the new populations eligible for the vaccine. Several regions have cancelled a substantial number of appointments due to lack of supply and also due to diversion of vaccine supply to State vaccination sites. Consequently, the State has issued communications to vaccinators to only schedule appointments to match current vaccine allotments. Vaccinators are not allowed to schedule and then cancel appointments moving forward.
State Vaccination Guidance
The State issues general guidance on a regular basis regarding the State Vaccination Provider Program. The guidance lists priority populations and operational guidance for providers enrolled in the program. While many LeadingAge NY members are enrolled in this program, it is not yet activated for long term care providers due to the ongoing federal Pharmacy Partnership. We offer this information so that members are prepared once this option is activated.
For access to all regularly updated guidance pertaining to the State Vaccination Provider Program, click here. Recent vaccine guidance dated Jan. 19th includes newly added provisions regarding second doses of the vaccine. The guidance clarifies that vaccinators are not to comingle first and second dose vaccine supply and are not to hold back first dose supply for second dose administration. Other guidance was recently issued regarding redistribution of the vaccine, which can be accessed here.
In addition, DOH recently issued a communication to enrolled State Vaccination Provider Program providers (not New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) vaccinators), which offers a weekly framework of the ordering and allotment process of vaccine supply. Among other things, it clarifies that providers should not order second dose vaccine supply, as it is automatically ordered on their behalf.
Regional Hub Update
LeadingAge NY continues to advocate for on-site clinics for senior housing and independent living providers and provide hubs with information regarding long term care concerns and challenges. Currently, the hubs are dealing with vaccine supply issues, so their focus is diverted somewhat. The Capital Region hub is in the initial stages of developing on-site clinics for senior housing. They are mapping their infection rates and laying them over senior housing site options to prioritize roll-out.
We know that access and ability of seniors to schedule appointments on their own is a concern. The Capital Region hub is considering establishing a scheduling center, and we know that several Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the state are assisting seniors with setting up their vaccinations. Seniors contact the AAA by phone, and the AAA schedules their appointment online, sending a paper confirmation to the senior by pick-up or drop-off.
Regions are seeing some hospital-based certified home health agencies (CHHAs) administering vaccine to the homebound. Regions are also considering sending in community paramedics to the homebound to deliver the vaccine. NYC DOHMH is hoping that more agencies can perform vaccinations when the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which has a greater shelf life and is more stable, becomes available. Approval for this vaccine is likely to occur sometime in February.
Moving Forward
Please keep LeadingAge NY staff informed of any concerns or challenges your staff, residents, or member populations are having regarding vaccine access. Likewise, if your regional hub is addressing your vaccine needs or coming up with innovative solutions to schedule, operationalize, and deliver the vaccine, that information is also valuable to share with other hubs. It is helpful to have on-the-ground information for DOH and the regional hubs as we advocate on your behalf.
Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-929-9342