Distribution of COVID-19 vaccines

With the first two COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA for emergency use, states are developing plans for vaccine distribution and the first dermatologists have reported to the AAD that they have received their first shots. The AAD has developed a document outlining the CDC’s vaccine guidance that includes discussion of vaccination for patients taking immunomodulatory agents.

The AMA has developed FAQs for physicians and patients on the vaccines that explain how the vaccines are approved, allocated, administered, and tracked.

Getting yourself and your staff vaccinated

The CDC recommends that health care personnel should be the first to receive the vaccine, as outlined in an AAD document that summarizes plans for vaccine distribution. However, each state is ultimately empowered to determine its vaccination plan. Wondering when you and your practice staff will be able to get vaccinated? The CDC is tracking state-level distribution plans on its website, and Stateside has assembled a list of each state’s vaccination website.

Once the vaccines are available, can you require employees to get vaccinated? The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued new guidance on this question. A forthcoming Dermatology World article will break down what this means for you and your practice.

A previous DermWorld article chronicled one dermatologist’s experience as part of a COVID-19 vaccine trial. Read it now.

Becoming a vaccinator

In some states dermatology practices may have the opportunity to become a vaccinator site. The AAD has developed guidance on becoming a COVID-19 vaccinator; you can learn more about the process of becoming at the CDC’s vaccinator site. Each state has its own additional process for becoming a vaccinator; links to each state’s information are listed alphabetically below. (Note: In some states, enrolling as a COVID-19 vaccinator site may also be done through your county health department.)