Health Professionals

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Health Professionals and Healthcare Workers

Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH)’s up-to-date resources are relevant to health professionals and their responses to COVID-19 in Virginia. This page includes information on vaccination, treatment, testing, and other COVID-19 topics. 

Thank you for your continued work to protect the health and well-being of all Virginians.

                               VDH Resources

Hot Topics for Health Professionals

Older Adults Now Able to Receive Additional Dose of Updated COVID-19 Vaccine

On February 28, 2024, CDC recommended that people aged 65 years and older should receive one additional dose of any updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer). The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness. For detailed guidance, see Table 1 and Table 2 on the CDC webpage. Previously, CDC recommended that immunocompromised people were eligible for additional doses of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. 

CDC Releases Updated Respiratory Virus Guidance

On March 1, 2024, CDC released new respiratory virus guidance that highlights a unified, practical approach to address risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers. The guidance includes core prevention strategies: 

  • Staying up to date with vaccination for flu, COVID-19, and RSV, if eligible. 
  • Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces regularly. 
  • Taking steps for cleaner air at home and elsewhere. 

When people get sick with a respiratory virus, the guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours AFTER BOTH their symptoms are improving overall AND they have not had a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medication(s). For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available, effective in helping to prevent more severe disease, and must be started promptly after diagnosis. The guidance above does not apply to any healthcare setting. 

FDA revises EUA for Paxlovid, Limiting Use to Pediatric Patients

On January 29, 2024, the FDA announced that emergency use authorization-labeled (EUA) Paxlovid will no longer be authorized for emergency use after March 8, 2024. However, the Paxlovid EUA will continue to authorize emergency use of Paxlovid manufactured and labeled in accordance with the NDA (NDA-labeled Paxlovid) for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in children aged 12 through 17 years. 

The revised Paxlovid EUA states that Paxlovid manufactured and labeled in accordance with the EUA currently in U.S. distribution will remain authorized for use through the labeled or extended expiration date or through March 8, 2024, whichever is earlier. 

Unexpired EUA-labeled Paxlovid can be dispensed to patients when consistent with the terms and conditions of the EUA. Patients who have a prescription for Paxlovid will continue to receive either EUA-labeled or NDA-labeled Paxlovid through March 8, 2024. After that date, they will receive NDA-labeled Paxlovid. 

Differences in EUA and NDA labeled packaging along with answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the FDA webpage. 

CMS Updates Guidance on Coverage and Claims For COVID-19 Therapeutics for with Medicare Part D Insurance

On January 5, 2024, CMS released guidance for Medicare Part D plans that describes coverage and processing claims for COVID-19 therapeutics. As a reminder, Medicare Part D plans must cover commercially available oral antivirals for COVID-19, either as a formulary product or through the formulary exception process.  

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 Last Updated: March 6, 2024