Based on new data from Pfizer, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 19 lengthened the refrigerator storage time for the company’s COVID-19 vials.
Undiluted, thawed vials of the Pfizer vaccine now can be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (35°F to 46°F) for up to one month. Previously, the agency authorized refrigerator storage of the vials for up to five days.
FDA issued an accompanying fact sheet for health care providers administering the vaccine.
$4.8B Allocated to HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program
The Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced it is dedicating $4.8 billion from the American Rescue Plan to support the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program. The funding is dedicated to COVID-19 testing.
Health care providers who conducted COVID-19 testing or provided treatment for uninsured individuals with a COVID-19 primary diagnosis on or after Feb. 4, 2020, can electronically request claims reimbursement through the program. Providers also can request reimbursement for COVID-19 vaccine administration.
CDC Site Aggregates Funding Opportunities
A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site lists state, tribal, local, and territorial funding opportunities authorized by the:
- Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020;
- Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act;
- Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act;
- Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021; and
- American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 .
Users can filter the opportuniies by jurisdiction, legislation, award name, and topic.
Visit the America’s Essential Hospitals coronavirus resource page for more information about the pandemic.
Contact Senior Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
