April 1, 2022: l COVID-19 Update Webinar l Bookmark our New COVID-19 Website l Treatment Updates l Vaccine Updates l Infection Control/PPE l Diagnostic Testing
A Message forthe Tufts Medicine Integrated Network, including primary and specialty care physicians, practice administrators, Network leaders (Presidents, Administrators, and Medical Directors) and Network staff:
Oral antivirals are available in select Walgreens and CVS pharmacies across the state. The Therapeutic Locator details the specific locations.
All symptomatic individuals with mild to moderate COVID-19, who are at risk for severe COVID-19, are eligible to receive therapeutics, including nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, remdesivir, bebtelovimab and molnupiravir, regardless of their National Institutes of Health COVID-19 risk tiers or vaccination status. The default should be to treat all eligiblepatients who have COVID-19.
Updated requirements to request Oral Antivirals
Retail Pharmacies (CVS/Walgreens) - Prescription needed, no form required.
Tufts Medical Center Atrium 3 Pharmacy - Prescription with date of symptom onset needed, no form required.
Gothams - As of 3/1/2022, Gothams is the only site where a form is still required and where the prescription does not pass through a pharmacist's check.
When sending a prescription to any location, we urge you to include an up to date medication list as well as any recent eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) the patient may have recorded. This ensures that the pharmacist has the information needed to assess the appropriate dose and safety with regard to drug interactions. This is not required, but is helpful, and may mitigate potential back and forth with pharmacy.
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
With the authorization of the second COVID-19 booster, the schedule of vaccines have shifted. See chart for full details.
Added guidance to above that adults ages 50 years and older who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised may choose to receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the first booster
Immunocompromised patients 12+ are now directed to receive 3 doses in the original series followed by a booster dose
Download and distribute this patient handout on the importance of vaccination, available in English and Spanish.
Are fully vaccinated (have completed initial series) and within an indoor setting
Have a weakened immune system
Are at an increased risk for disease due to medical condition or age
Have a high risk/unvaccinated household member
Are not fully vaccinated
Are using public transportation or in a health care facility (regardless of vaccination status)
Additionally, there have been updates to PPE in healthcare settings:
There is no longer a requirement to wear eye protection for all patient care encounters
Staff are now able to congregate without facemasks when they are in well-defined areas that are restricted from patient access (e.g., staff meeting rooms, kitchen). If staff who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are present, everyone should wear masks.
Respirators can no longer be re-used (e.g. N95 masks)
DPH has also extended the deadline that providers may request PPE from the State Stockpile to June 2022.
Click herefor CDC Guidance on COVID-19 prevention steps you should take based on your COVID-19 Community Level.
The Tufts Medicine Integrated Network is a distinctively different population health enterprise and value-based care contracting entity. It comprises 2,300 primary care and specialist physicians and advanced practice clinicians, working as Tufts Medicine employees or in private practice, delivering care in community and hospital settings. The Network’s purpose is to build healthier communities and to create healthy, rewarding experiences for our members and care teams. The Network was launched in July 2021 by building upon the legacies of two long-standing, high-performing organizations – Lowell General Physician Hospital Organization and New England Quality Care Alliance (NEQCA).
