EMS Personnel to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination

Please take the time to put together your prioritization list for those desiring to be included in the initial round.
Our partners from MLREMS (thank you Dr. Cushman, Ben Sensenbach and Mindy Johnston) have provided resources below:
 

• 30 minute video addresses some common questions about both vaccines.  Watch Video Here
• Guidance for Emergency Medical Services Personnel to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination
• COVID-19 Vaccination Prioritization Plan
• COVID Declination Template

Couple bullet points:

• Only those providers who have direct patient contact are eligible
• The state may ask for (and the POD likely will) your prioritization plan. It would be helpful if you worked off your DOH roster https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-2828.pdf
• Establish groups so that all are not vaccinated at the same time to factor in potential side effects.
        Example: Large Fire/EMS agency has 3 battalions, group 1 should be some from each battalion, not an entire battalion.
• When setting up your groups consider those most at risk to be in your first round. At most risk would be age, comorbidities and most close patient contacts.
• If you have providers that belong to multiple agencies they should be scheduled by their primary agency
• Providers will need proof of agency affiliation, either by ID or letter from the agency Chief; certification card or a copy of HCS (if you don’t have either we can provide them for you, do not contact the state for this)
• It is a good idea if a provider refuses to participate that they fill out a declination form
• At this time it is not clear which location (POD) you will be assigned to for the shot. Those details are in process. It will likely be through your county or hub hospitals.
  There will not likely be a lot of PODs – (not the typical POD program)
  Those locations will do the final assignments. Remember it is a 2 dose regime.

Again, this process is evolving, as soon as we have information from the state we will pass it along.

Now is a great time to be sure your agency contact info is accurate and that someone is monitoring your agency email.

If you have any question or need assistance with this process please get in touch with us. 607-732-2354 or education@emstar.org