COVID-19 UPDATE #114
December 15, 2020
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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN GETTING THE COVID-19 VACCINE AND IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING |
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The Department of Health (DOH) is working to ensure that providers have information and guidance about the COVID-19 vaccine. As the vaccine is administered for healthcare workers and long term care residents, many are asking about the process and what to expect after receiving the vaccine. Here are some tools designed to help that DOH would like shared with providers:
There will also be specific guidance on screening and management of workers in healthcare available later this week on the CDC website. The DOH is providing some general information below based on this source.
Staff who have symptoms and were vaccinated in the last three days (day of vaccination being day one) may continue to work if:
- They are not known to have had unprotected exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in a community or healthcare setting in last 14 days
- They feel well enough and are willing to work
- They only have signs and symptoms that have been observed following COVID-19 vaccination (fatigue, headache, muscle aches)
Staff who have symptoms and were vaccinated in the last three days (day of vaccination being day one) should not come to work if:
- They had an unprotected exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in last 14 days
- They have signs and symptoms unlikely to be from a COVID-19 vaccine (cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat, loss of taste or smell)
- They have a fever (temperature over 100.0°F)
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DEAR ADMINISTRATOR LETTER SHARES INFORMATION ON COVID-19 VACCINATION WEBSITES |
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In a Dear Administrator letter to all providers dated December 14, 2020, information on vaccination websites is shared. The letter provides the following links:
The letter encourages providers to keep up to date with the latest information by checking these websites frequently as well as signing up for email updates on the sites to be notified when changes and updates are made. Providers may submit questions about COVID-19 vaccinations to RCSpolicy@dshs.wa.gov.
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BOARD OF HEALTH EMERGENCY RULE REGARDING CONTINUING NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR
COVID-19
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In a Dear Administrator letter dated December 4, 2020, providers are informed the Washington State Board of Health has adopted a second emergency rule-making order under WSR 20-24-81 to continue the requirements established in WAC 246-101- 017 – Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Reporting. The emergency rule is effective November 29, 2020, and will be in effect for 120 days.
This emergency rule:
- Continues the designation of Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), also known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), as a notifiable condition.
- Continues the requirement for health care providers and facilities (including long term care providers and facilities), laboratories, (including Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment or CLIA waived laboratories), and local health jurisdictions to report essential demographic and testing data with COVID-19 test results.
- Requires animal case reporting of COVID-19 by the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Health.
If you have questions, please email Kaitlyn Donahoe, Board of Health Policy Advisor, or call her at (360) 584-6737.
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PROVIDER RELIEF FUND FAQs FOR VACCINE DISTRIBUTION |
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Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released additional information on using Provider Relief Funds for vaccine administration. These additions are noted in an updated Provider Relief Fund FAQ document and all of the Provider Relief Fund FAQs can be accessed here.
In particular, note the following updates:
- Provider Relief Funds may be used for administration after other sources of revenue have been exhausted, including:
- Direct patient billing;
- Commercial insurance;
- Medicare/Medicaid;
- Reimbursement from the Provider Relief Fund COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing;
- Treatment, and Vaccine Administration for the Uninsured; or
- Funds received from FEMA or SBA/Department of Treasury’s Paycheck Protection Program
Providers may use Provider Relief Fund payments to pay taxes for “healthcare related expenses attributable to coronavirus," except for Nursing Home Infection Control Distribution payments.
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AHCA/NCAL LAUNCHES VACCINATION CAMPAIGN |
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AHCA/NCAL launched a new #GetVaccinated campaign to encourage long term care staff and residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine. A communications toolkit with various materials has been created for providers and state affiliates to help communicate about the importance of vaccination as well as highlight progress.
The digital toolkit includes a checklist of ideas, template letters to use with stakeholders, sample social media, and media prep material. AHCA/NCAL will continue to update these materials and add new ones as needed, so be sure to check back for the latest resources.
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WEBINARS OFFERING INSIGHT AND INFORMATION TO HELP PROVIDERS RESPOND TO COVID-19 |
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There are many online resources and informational programs to help providers. The following webinars have been highlighted by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as relevant and helpful to long term care facilities.
Vaccine Clinic Prep Office Hours
Hosted by AHCA/NCAL
COVID-19 Emergency Webinar for Community Based Organizations: Vaccines
Hosted by the CDC Foundation
Vaccination Development, Distribution and Delivery
Hosted by Project ECHO
Office Hours: Review November Changes to LTCF COVID-19 Module Pathways – Resident Impact and Facility Capacity and Staff and Personnel Impact
Hosted by the CDC
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WHCA continues to post resources and information as it becomes available on our website. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the WHCA office at (800) 562-6170.
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