Staff Contact: Sarah Willson or Jane Drummond

The Ninth Amended Declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services authorizes pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 therapeutics subcutaneously, intramuscularly or orally, as authorized, approved or licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Declaration also authorizes qualified pharmacy technicians and qualified intern pharmacists to administer authorized COVID-19 therapeutics. Gov. Parson approved a corresponding state waiver of Section 338.010 to authorize the practice.

Staff Contact: Keri Barclay

Today, Gov. Parson announced that the state’s six contracted monoclonal antibody treatment sites will be in operation for an additional 30 days. Previously, these sites, which were announced in late August, were scheduled to be operational through the end of September. The treatment sites are located in Butler, Jackson, Jefferson, Pettis and Scott counties, as well as the City of St. Louis. Additional information about these mAb infusion sites, including information on how to refer patients, can be found on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ website.

Staff Contact: Keri Barclay

Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the ordering process for monoclonal antibody COVID-19 treatments shifted from a direct order process to a state-coordinated distribution system. Providers requesting mAb must submit requests to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services portal by 5 p.m. every Monday. Requests should reflect the need for the following week. Allocation will be made by Friday and shipped directly to the facility from the distributor. Hospitals receiving mAb will receive confirmation of shipment.

Missouri’s allocation is determined in part using TeleTracking inventory and utilization data. Providers should ensure accurate entry in TeleTracking every Wednesday for Therapeutic A (casirivimab/imdevimab) and Therapeutic C (bamlanivimab/etesevimab) courses. It is important to ensure that all therapeutic course data measures are accurately updated each week to ensure Missouri continues to receive adequate supplies of these therapeutics.

Staff Contact: Kara Amann-Kale or Keri Barclay

Late last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee met to discuss Pfizer’s supplemental Biologics License Application for administration of a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in individuals ages 16 years and older. While the committee did not approve booster doses for these individuals, they did approve Pfizer booster doses administered at least six months after completion of the primary series for use in individuals ages 65 and older, as well as individuals at high risk of severe COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is meeting this week to discuss the recommendation from the FDA advisory committee to include the definition of individuals at high risk of severe COVID-19. It is anticipated that health care workers will be included in this definition. Hospitals should not administer booster doses until after this committee meets and final approvals are issued.

Staff Contact: Stephen Njenga

The National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation published an infographic showing that people with disabilities have been uniquely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as they face a greater risk of poor health outcomes, reduced access to routine services and care, and adverse social outcomes. The infographic highlights the challenges facing them, as well as clear steps that can be taken to support their health and well-being.