Tag: children

Combating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Week of Feb. 14

Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare, Member News
MHA Covid-19 update

MHA Covid-19 updateThe current surge of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 has continued its downward trend. The seven-day average of hospitalizations in the U.S. as of Feb. 13 was 80,185, down from 136,534 Jan. 20. Michigan hospitalizations for confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 included 1,896 adults and 71 children as of Feb. 16, down from the Jan. 20 totals of 4,554 adults and 130 children.

The MHA continues to keep members apprised of pandemic-related developments affecting hospitals through email updates and the MHA Coronavirus webpage. Important updates are outlined below.

Governor Signs Supplemental Budget Dedicating $300 Million to Healthcare Workforce

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Feb. 16 signed House Bill 5523, a $1.2 billion supplemental funding bill that includes $300 million for healthcare providers for recruitment, retention and training purposes, $225 million of which will be specifically for acute-care and behavioral health hospitals. MHA Board Chair and BHSH System President & CEO Tina Freese Decker provided comments of appreciation for the governor signing the bill in the official announcement. (See related article.)

MDHHS Rescinds Indoor Mask Advisory with Exceptions

The statewide indoor masking advisory that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued earlier in the omicron surge was rescinded Feb. 16. However, the state continues to recommend masking in healthcare settings and some other high-risk indoor locations.

While hospitalizations have improved significantly recently, the MHA continues to encourage people to voluntarily wear high-quality masks when in indoor public spaces, especially if they are immunocompromised or haven’t yet been fully vaccinated.

The state also announced that it will monitor and act on COVID-19 cycles in the following three key phases:

  • Response — Local and state public health implement rapid response to a surge. The public may be advised to increase masking, testing and social distancing.
  • Recovery — Post-surge. No immediate resurgence predicted. Local and state public health will monitor conditions that could lead to future surges.
  • Readiness — A surge in cases is expected, with implications for severity of illness and hospital capacity. Increased communication to the public regarding possible new risks.

More Data Sought on Pfizer Vaccine for Children 6 Months through 4 Years

The MHA continues to monitor Pfizer’s actions to seek approval for a vaccine for kids aged 6 months through 4 years. Pfizer recently sought federal approval of the vaccine for this age group, but paused its request days later due to efficacy questions related to dosage. It is now awaiting further data about three doses for this age group before renewing its request for approval under emergency use authorization. The association will keep members apprised of any developments on this or related issues. Members with vaccine questions may contact Ruthanne Sudderth at the MHA.

Additional information on the COVID-19 pandemic is available to members on the MHA Community Site and the MHA COVID-19 webpage. Questions on COVID-19 and infectious disease response strategies may be directed to the MDHHS Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC).

Combating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Week of Oct. 25

Member News, Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare
MHA Covid-19 update

The number of Michiganders ages 16 and older who have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine reached 69% Oct. 28, according to the state tracker. More than 59% of those ages 12 and up were fully vaccinated as of Oct. 26.

The MHA continues to keep members apprised of pandemic-related developments affecting hospitals through email updates and the MHA Coronavirus webpage. Important updates are outlined below.

Vaccine for Kids Aged 5-11

An independent panel of experts advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently voted to recommend the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine be used in children aged 5 to 11. The next and final steps before this vaccine can be administered is approval by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), whose experts are scheduled to meet and vote Nov. 2 and 3. Following their vote, swift action is expected by the CDC director to authorize administration of the vaccine in younger kids. Members are encouraged to watch for updates from the MHA, the state and federal agencies Nov. 3 for details and information about rolling out this vaccine. Members with questions may contact Ruthanne Sudderth at the MHA.

Patient/Provider COVID-19 Vaccine Testimonials, Stories Could Save Lives

As the MHA continues public communication efforts to increase the statewide COVID-19 vaccination rate, hospitals and health systems are encouraged to submit stories, quotes, photos and/or video testimonials from clinicians or patients who are willing to advocate for the COVID-19 vaccines. The use of such stories was encouraged by the MHA Board of Trustees to ensure effective messages reach as many vaccine-hesitant people as possible.

Submissions can include clinicians speaking to the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, impactful patient stories (i.e., a change of heart regarding vaccination status) or links to existing media coverage that can be shared across social media. Content can be submitted through Google Form or sent directly to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA. These stories and the organizations that submit them will be featured across all MHA communication vehicles to inspire people who are waiting to be vaccinated.

Additional information on the COVID-19 pandemic is available to members on the MHA Community Site and the MHA COVID-19 webpage. Questions on COVID-19 and infectious disease response strategies may be directed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC).

Combating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Week of May 3

Member News, Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare
MHA Covid-19 update

MHA Coronavirus UpdateAs of May 6, more than 7.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Michigan, and more than 51% of Michigan adults have received at least one dose of a vaccine. The MHA continues to keep members apprised of pandemic-related developments affecting hospitals through email updates and the MHA Coronavirus webpage. Important updates are outlined below.

Pediatric, Primary Care Providers Should Prepare to Give Adolescent Vaccinations

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to issue an emergency use authorization (EUA) to administer the Pfizer vaccine to children ages 12-15 as early as the week of May 10. Pediatric and primary care settings that wish to participate in the vaccine program are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible to ensure they are prepared to appropriately receive, store, track and administer vaccines for adolescents.

In response to this impending expansion, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced it has designated “Pfizer Regional Hubs” across the state to support efforts to make the vaccine available to 12- to 15-year-olds. These local health departments will maintain stock of Pfizer vaccine to share with COVID-19 vaccine providers that can manage it appropriately. Hospitals that need the Pfizer vaccine to offer to Michiganders ages 12 through 17 may request a supply from the Immunization Action Plan Coordinator at these hubs, which include:

  1. Grand Traverse Health Department
  2. Ingham County Health Department
  3. Kalamazoo Health Department
  4. Kent County Health Department (Fuller)
  5. Marquette Health Department
  6. Oakland Health Division
  7. Saginaw County Health Department
  8. Sanilac County Health Department
  9. Wayne County Health Department

It is the requestor’s responsibility to contact the regional hub to assess vaccine availability and to perform appropriate transport of vaccine for redistribution. Contact information for all local health departments is available online. The requestor is also responsible for ensuring the site is enrolled as a Michigan COVID-19 Vaccination Provider; has a redistribution agreement in place with the regional hub; and can meet all requirements for vaccine transport, storage, handling and documentation.

The MHA will keep members apprised of developments on the expansion of the Pfizer vaccine EUA. Vaccine-related questions may be directed to Ruthanne Sudderth at the MHA.

Medicare Payments Increased for mAb Therapies

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced an increase in the Medicare payment rate for administering monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment to COVID-19 patients, effective May 6. The payment rate will increase 45%, from $310 to $450, for most healthcare settings. The CMS will also establish a $750 payment rate for this service when administered in the patient’s home or other temporary residence. Patients will incur no out-of-pocket cost for these services. Members with questions about these payments may contact Jason Jorkasky at the MHA.

A recording of a recent webinar explaining the operational processes required to provide mAb therapy is available online. Cohosted by the MHA and the MDHHS, the hour-long webinar reviewed a variety of resources for providers interested in providing the treatments. To receive copies of these documents, contact Laura Appel at the MHA.

Pfizer, Moderna Seek Full FDA Approval of Their COVID-19 Vaccines

Pfizer has asked the FDA for full approval of its COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 16 and over, which would allow the manufacturer to market the vaccine directly to the public. Pfizer is now studying the vaccine in children as young as 6 months and has said it expects more results from these studies by September.

According to news reports, Pfizer has shared data with the FDA about the vaccine’s long-term effectiveness and possible changes in handling requirements, such as evidence that the vaccine can be refrigerated for longer periods, rather than requiring ultra-cold storage temperatures.

Moderna has also requested full FDA approval of its vaccine, which is currently approved for ages 18 and older. It is currently studying the vaccine in 12- to 17-year-olds. In addition, Moderna has shared promising updates from its study of a booster of its vaccine to help prevent some of the most contagious variants of the virus.

While FDA approval reviews typically take six months or more, the agency could act quickly on approving the vaccines, since they had already received emergency authorization. The MHA will keep members apprised of this issue as it develops. For more information on vaccines, contact Ruthanne Sudderth at the MHA.

Additional information on the COVID-19 pandemic is available to members on the MHA Community Site and the MHA COVID-19 webpage. Questions on COVID-19 and infectious disease response strategies may be directed to the MDHHS Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC).