COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Intent
October 02, 2020
Dear Colleague:
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has begun diligently planning for the possibility of COVID-19 vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has notified us that if vaccine manufacturers are successful in developing a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, distribution and administration could begin in the coming months. VDH has the health and safety of Virginians as its number one priority. We will ensure any COVID-19 vaccine is distributed equitably and to those who most need it. This includes implementing a registration system to allow facilities to identify anticipated need for vaccine, including an estimate of the population they serve by risk factor. This data will be used to prioritize vaccine shipments in accordance with CDC recommendations.
Nationwide distribution of any COVID-19 vaccine will be a joint venture between the CDC, which typically oversees vaccine allocation, and the Department of Defense. VDH is working closely with the CDC and stakeholders in Virginia to identify planning, logistical, and operational considerations as part of our statewide vaccination plan. Our current planning scenario is to expect and be ready for a November 1 release of a new vaccine(s). In this planning scenario, the amount of vaccine expected is limited and, therefore, will need to be prioritized. Over time, the volume of vaccines is expected to increase, thereby allowing the general population to be vaccinated. We are planning for the possibility of several vaccines from manufacturers with varying storage requirements (refrigerated, frozen, and ultra cold) and varying vaccine schedules.
In preparation, VDH has developed a COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Intent Form. We welcome all interested providers (including pharmacies) or facilities to complete this form to indicate intent to administer COVID-19 vaccine to your patients and/or staff. Information collected will allow VDH to set up necessary accounts for vaccine ordering and reporting. VDH is still learning more details from the CDC on the specifics of this process. More information will be posted to www.vdh.virginia.gov as we learn more.
To submit your intent to administer COVID-19 vaccine, please visit our website: https://apps.vdh.virginia.gov/VERIP/Home.aspx and click the link to complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Intent Form. The following are some important details surrounding provider intent and vaccination logistics:
- Completing this form does not obligate participation in this effort. VDH will follow up with next steps once you have submitted your intent.
- A COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Intent Form needs to be completed for each location vaccine is to be shipped, even if owned under a larger corporate or parent organization.
- Vaccine, ancillary supplies (needles, syringes, alcohol swabs, face masks or face shields), and shipping will be provided at no cost to the vaccine providers.
- Sharps containers, gloves, and bandages are not included in these supplies.
- Providers interested in committing to administering COVID-19 vaccine will need to complete the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement and Profile. More information will be forthcoming and directions will be provided to those that complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Intent Form.
- Vaccinators will be asked to report all doses administered through the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS), the state’s immunization registry. Providers not already enrolled in VIIS can learn more about the benefits of VIIS and how to enroll here. Providers can connect their electronic medical records system directly to VIIS. Providers also can directly enter doses administered into the VIIS website.
- Initial vaccinators may need to use the CDC’s Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) tool.
- More information will be forthcoming on reporting requirements.
Questions regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Intent Form can be directed to COVIDVaccineInfo@vdh.virginia.gov. More information about how to order COVID-19 vaccine will be shared as soon as it is available.
Sincerely,
M. Norman Oliver, MD, MA
State Health Commissioner