On August 23, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a Biologics License Application (BLA) approval (licensure) to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, called COMIRNATY®, for individuals 16 and older.

The Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) remains in effect for individuals 12 years of age and older and for the booster dose for immunocompromised individuals 12 years of age and older.

Related News:

Comirnaty and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (FDA)

This Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccination Program communication provides vaccination guidance for a third COVID-19 vaccine dose in immunocompromised individuals.

Pediatric providers can order COVID-19 vaccines in smaller increments than how they are packaged by the manufacturer. Providers should continue to place their orders in the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS) as usual. Click here for more information.

A recent article from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides an excellent update about COVID-19 vaccines clinical trials in children, the current timeline for vaccine approval in children 11 years and younger, and how this will affect the upcoming school year. Click here to read more.

Each year, the Massachusetts Immunization Action Partnership (MIAP) recognizes Massachusetts individuals or groups that have made an outstanding contribution to pediatric immunization in Massachusetts. The recipient of this award is an individual or an organization that has demonstrated leadership, initiative, innovation, collaboration and/or advocacy.

The MIAP Conference Organizing Committee is seeking nominations for this year’s award. The deadline to submit an award nomination is Friday, August 27, 2021. Click here to download a nomination form.

The 2021 MIAP Conference Award will be presented virtually at the 26th Annual MIAP Pediatric Immunization Skills Building Conference, on October 28, 2021.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Cynthia McReynolds.

The 2021-2022 influenza season will be here soon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine (IIV4, RIV4, or LAIV4) with no preference expressed for any one vaccine over another.

Additional flu season information:

In its communication, 2021 - 2022 State-Supplied Flu Vaccine is Available to Order, MDPH notes that a small supply of state-supplied flu vaccine is available for order. Click here to read more.

On September 30, the MCAAP Immunization Initiative will host, "2021-2022 Influenza Season Update." See the next section of this newsletter for more information and to register to attend the webinar.

Visit the Resource Spotlight section of this newsletter for additional influenza season resources.

Reference: Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2021-2022 Season. CDC

Click here to register!

The target audience includes healthcare professionals who provide immunizations to in Massachusetts, including MCAAP members, physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, medical assistants, public health workers, community health center staff, pharmacists and office staff who work in pediatric and adult health care settings.

At the conclusion of the webinar, the participation should be able to:

The Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health is accredited by the Massachusetts Medical Society to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, designates this Live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Massachusetts Medical Society through the joint providership of the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, MA Dept. of Public Health and The MCAAP Immunization Initiative.

This program has been offered by the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health. A maximum of 1.0 contact hours for this program will be provided in accordance with the regulations governing continuing education requirements for the following Boards of Registration:

Board of Registration in Nursing (CMR 244 5.00), Board of Registration of Social Workers (258CMR 31.00et seq), Board of Mental Health Professions (262CMR 7.00), Board of Certification of Health Officers (241CMR 4.03), Board of Registration of Sanitarians (255CMR 5.02).

Pharmacists may receive up to 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ in accordance with 247CMR 4.00.

The webinar is free-of-charge; however, pre-registration is required. Click here to register!