We understand this is a busy and challenging time. MarkeTouch is proud to be your partner and resource for patient engagement. Welcome to the COVID-19 Clinical & Operations Update, your quick reference to the latest COVID-19 news. We hope you find it helpful. Thank you & take care.
Accelerating Vaccine Distribution
While the CDC phases 1, 2 and 3 have been published since late 2020, and the vast majority of states originally subscribed to adhering to the triaged approach, this week HHS Secretary Azar now recommends accelerating vaccine distribution to all people over the age of 65 and those younger than 65 with comorbid or pre-existing conditions. Azar also shared that vaccine production is such that the second dose of any two-shot COVID-19 vaccine can be administered without jeopardizing the immunizations of those who got their first shot. Additionally, individual states are deviating from the original CDC plan.
Latest on Vaccination Allergic Reactions
While rare, anaphylactic reactions have been reported following vaccination with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. To ensure the safety of your patients, be sure to have the appropriate anaphylaxis treatment kits within reach, when vaccinating. Also monitor patients for at least 15 minutes (no previous allergic reaction history) and up to 30 minutes (patients with a history of allergic reactions). CDC has also updated their contraindication guidance on based on a patient’s initial COVID-19 vaccine experience.
MarkeTouch COVID-19 Scheduling Tool
Second-dose reminders for vaccine recipients will be critical to ensure compliance with vaccine dosing intervals and achieve optimal vaccine effectiveness. COVID-19 vaccination providers should make every attempt to schedule a patient’s second-dose appointment when they get their first dose.
CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Playbook – 2020
MarkeTouch has been providing a fully hosted, web-based (mobile optimized) appointment scheduling tool since 2010. It has been enhanced to accommodate the dynamic needs of COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, allowing the ability to optimize your operations by customizing appointment availability based on vaccine inventory, staff schedule and vaccine series (automated second appointment scheduling based on manufacturer recommendation). Currently, 88% of all appointments scheduled using the too, including series vaccines are completed.
The MarkeTouch COVID-19 Scheduling tool is being used for both in-store and off-site clinics. Customized, mobile-optimized vaccine consent forms are available as a standalone service or incorporated into the patient appointment scheduling process. Customizable vaccination screening questions can also be incorporated based on COVID-19 vaccination phase.
Contact MarkeTouch today to learn more about adding the convenience of appointment scheduling to your COVID-19 vaccination strategy.
Treatment Options for COVID-19 Positive Patients
While vaccination is the key to herd immunity, and ending the community spread, there are currently two antibody treatments that are available to patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. HHS has launched a treatment locator tool allowing patients to search for sites that are administering these therapeutics within 50 miles of the patient or store location. To be most effective, the antibody treatments need to be administered within 10 days of symptom onset.
MarkeTouch Is Here To Help
In these challenging times – having the a vaccine strategy is critical. If you are considering appointment based vaccinations and/or COVID-19 digital vaccine form management solutions, MarkeTouch can help. If you need assistance with patient notifications, MarkeTouch is your one source for a full suite of patient engagement services. MarkeTouch’s suite of omnichannel engagement solutions allow you to create one voice for all your communication needs, with a consistent, thoughtful, surround sound approach.
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