Vaccination Program Guidance – May 13
DOH issued updated vaccination guidance last night. Key changes include:
Expanded Eligibility
Effective immediately, all providers are authorized to expand eligibility for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to 12 through 15-year olds.
Vaccine Tracker
Effective immediately, reporting to the NYS COVID-Vaccine Tracker is no longer required.
Universal Doses
Effective May 11, New York State moved to a “Universal Dose” administration process for all multi-dose COVID-19 vaccine types. All doses can now be used for a first dose or a second dose, and may be drawn interchangeably from the same vial.
Beginning Monday, May 17th, weekly vaccine planning requests submitted through NYSIIS must indicate the total doses needed for the following week. The last second dose-specific delivery will be received by providers the week of May 17th. All future deliveries will be universal doses. Please see the DOH message sent May 11 for additional details.
Responsible Wastage
Providers must continue to follow best practices to use every dose possible, it should not be at the expense of missing an opportunity to vaccinate every eligible person when they are ready to get vaccinated.
Vaccination Program Guidance – May 6
The previous week’s guidance, dated May 6, makes anyone 16 years of age and older residing in U.S. eligible for vaccination, removing the requirement that an individual reside, study or work in NYS. It also changes proof of eligibility requirements so that only proof of age is required. Other changes include:
• Language relating to keeping daily standby lists of eligible individuals is changed from “must” to “should”.
• Adds “make best efforts” language to directives relating to doses being used within seven days.
• Removes statement that providers will be notified of how much vaccine they will receive.
Vaccination Guidance for Pregnancy and Lactation
DOH issued guidance on May 11 for people who are pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant. Pregnant and lactating people should be encouraged, but are not required, to consult with healthcare providers before deciding whether or not to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The guidance cautions that pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people, and might be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
For more information, please contact Andrew Jewett, Director, Hospital Preparedness Program at ajewett@iroquois.org.