As our country continues to make headway in the COVID-19 pandemic, it is encouraging to realize 61.3% of the U.S. adult population has currently received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, moving us closer to the President’s goal of 70% by July 4, 2021.

Key highlights for this update:

On May 10, 2021, the FDA approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine down to ages 12 years and older under emergency use authorization (EUA). On May 12, 2021, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met and deliberated on the expanded use of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine giving their support and recommendations. The CDC Director adopted those recommendations and the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for this age group is now covered under health insurance.

Most recently, both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC now recommend everyone 12 years of age and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination to help protect against COVID-19 infection.

Additional guidance on specific groups, such as long-term care residents, essential workers, and those who are pregnant or lactating, becomes available as vaccination efforts progress.

Updated CDC guidance indicates that fully vaccinated individuals can now resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. To learn more, visit the CDC expanded Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated and the CDC Infographic - Choosing Safer Acts.

GUIDANCE FOR UNVACCINATED INDIVIDUALS 

For information on protecting yourself and others while you are unvaccinated, please visit the CDC Guidance for Unvaccinated Individuals.

We will continue to update the Ventegra COVID-19 Resource Center as new information becomes available and encourage you to check back frequently.

Mark Shinmoto, Pharm.D., V.P. Chief Pharmacy Officer