Please check back frequently as this information changes regularly. Last update: Dec. 2, 2021 

All Individuals ages 5 and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Individuals ages 18 and older are eligible for the Moderna and the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Ordering

Question: How do I place an order?  

Answer: Order requests no longer will be made by email. A new online ordering form is available to submit order requests through https://redcapsdp.azurewebsites.net/redcap/surveys/?s=TY8DTL4RYY. 

• Pfizer ships in a minimum order of 1,070 doses.
• Pfizer pediatric (ages 5-11) ships in a minimum order of 100 doses.
  *Available on the order form after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3
• Moderna ships in a minimum order of 140 doses.
• Janssen ships in a minimum order of 100 doses.
• Orders are due each Wednesday at 5 p.m. for shipment the following week. 
• Orders typically arrive on Monday or Tuesday.  

Question: If our order is not fulfilled, should we order again? 

Answer: Yes. DHSS is not maintaining a list of previous order requests. If an order request is not fulfilled, it should be considered expired and a new order request should be sent.  

Question: How do I determine if a vaccine shipment is a second dose shipment?

Answer: Automatic second dose shipments no longer will be sent following a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine order. Orders also will not have a dose associated.

As a reminder, once an order is placed by DHSS, the shipping is out of the department’s control.

Question: How do I redistribute vaccine?

Answer: To transfer vaccine from your location to another, a redistribution agreement first must be in place. A redistribution request form has been added to the vaccinators resource web page. Moving forward, please use this form to submit all redistribution requests. All requests must be approved before the redistribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

When transferring vaccine:

• also transfer the ancillary kits
• only transfer unopened vials
• do not transfer open vials or partial doses in syringes
• document transferred inventory in ShowMeVax in the On Hand Inventory Module by clicking on Action, then Transfer.

Questions? Contact covidvaccineredistribution@health.mo.gov. Please do NOT contact VFC SUPPORT for vaccine transfer assistance.

Second Dose Logistics

From the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services

Question: How important is the second dose?

Answer: The second dose is critical to ensure individual and community protection. At this time, research cannot confirm how long a single dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine will offer adequate protection. To maximize the efficacy of the prime dose of vaccine, a booster dose should be administered as soon as possible after 28 days for those receiving the Moderna vaccine, and as soon as possible after 21 days for those receiving the Pfizer vaccine.

Question: What is a vaccinator’s liability for delaying or failing to give a corresponding second dose?

Answer: The Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act provides broad immunity to individuals and entities that dispense, prescribe and administer COVID-19 vaccines; however, failing to follow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization may subject a vaccinator to liability. Both the Pfizer and Moderna EUAs direct a second dose be administered within a prescribed timeframe. Failure to administer booster doses within the timeframe established by the respective EUAs or full authorization could subject a vaccinator to liability if an individual suffered adverse consequences of the COVID-19 virus. See MHA’s liability fact sheet for additional details.

Question: How do we place our second dose order?

Answer: Automatic second dose shipments no longer will be sent following a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine order. Orders also will not have a dose associated.

Question: What is EMResource, and how do i use it for booster dose needs?

Answer: EMResource is a statewide communications platform routinely used by hospitals, local public health agencies, emergency medical services and emergency management to collect and disseminate time-sensitive health care-related information during disasters and emergency activations. The platform, supported through federal grant funding, has been used through the COVID-19 response for a variety of queries and data sharing. At this time, hospitals, local public health departments, and regional implementation teams can report booster dose shortages in the system. Current EMResource users are encouraged to use the COVID-19 Vaccine – Booster Deficit Request query as a tool to enter these deficits. The information submitted to the query then populates a static view to summarize current booster needs by region. Vaccinators with a time-sensitive booster dose shortage are encouraged to update the query status as soon as an unmet booster need is identified. EMResource users with surplus vaccine should reference this information to identify potential opportunities for vaccine redistribution.

Third Dose Logistics

Question: What is the difference between a third dose and a booster dose?

Answer: A third dose is for individuals who are immunocompromised and are not expected to mount a sufficient response to the initial two doses of the mRNA vaccine. A booster dose is an additional vaccination that is given to individuals as their protection wains over time. Additional information about booster doses can be found in the booster dose logistics section.

Question: Who can receive a third dose at this time?

Answer: Currently, only individuals who are immunocompromised should be offered the third dose. DHSS updated the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine standing orders to reflect individuals eligible to receive a third mRNA vaccine dose. Additional third-dose vaccinations and boosters will be based upon the guidance and recommendations from the CDC and ACIP.

Question: Is an attestation needed for a third dose?

Answer: For immunocompromised individuals needing a third dose, the attestation form is a courtesy, and an alternative form or electronic record may be used in its place. DHSS created an attestation that can be used by vaccinators but is not required.

Question: In ShowMeVax, is there a way to identify the vaccination as a third dose?

Answer: There is no way to indicate how many doses an individual has had.

Question: How do I place an order for third-dose vaccines?

Answer: Orders are due by 5 p.m. Wednesdays with shipments typically going out the following Tuesday. There currently is no shortage of vaccine supply.

Question: Will an automatic second dose shipment occur if I am ordering for a third dose?

Answer: Automatic second dose shipments no longer will be sent following a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine order. Orders will not have a dose associated. Vaccinators should order vaccine as needed to ensure an adequate supply is on hand.

Question: Are the mRNA vaccines interchangeable?

Answer: The CDC issued guidance stating that patients receiving a third dose may receive either mRNA vaccine. Please note this is different than the current guidance for booster doses. Additional information about booster doses can be found in the booster dose logistics section.

Question: Are there plans for mass vaccination clinics from the state?

Answer: At this time there are no state mass vaccination sites planned. Since there are no supply constraints, local vaccine efforts are being utilized. Smaller facility “mass vax” events are permissible.

Question: Can I give the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?

Answer: Per the CDC and ACIP recommendations, vaccinations are permitted to be co-administered with the COVID-19 vaccines.

Booster Dose Logistics

Question: What is the difference between a third dose and a booster dose?

Answer: A third dose is for individuals who are immunocompromised and are not expected to mount a sufficient response to the initial two doses of the mRNA vaccine. A booster dose is an additional vaccination that is given to individuals as their protection wains over time. Additional information about third doses can be found in the third dose logistics section.

Question: Who is authorized to receive a booster dose at this time?

Answer: All individuals that received a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine primary series should receive a booster dose at least six months after completion of their primary series.

All individuals ages 18 and older should receive a Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 booster at least two months after completion of the primary series.

Individuals may receive any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the U.S. as their booster dose, regardless of the primary series manufacture.

Immunocompromised individuals who have completed a three-dose mRNA vaccine series also should receive a booster dose.

Question: What is considered an underlying medical condition in the CDC recommendation above?

Answer: The CDC maintains a list of underlying health conditions.

Question: Who is considered at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupational or institutional setting in the above CDC recommendation?

Answer: At this time, the CDC defined occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission to include the following health care and front-line essential workers. Please check the CDC website for the current list of occupations.

Questions: Do individuals need to receive a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated?

Answer: At this time, the CDC has not changed its guidance on what is considered fully vaccinated. Individuals generally are considered fully vaccinated:

• two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
• two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

Question: In ShowMeVax, is there a way to identify the vaccination as a booster dose?

Answer: There is no way to indicate how many doses an individual has had.

Question: How do I place an order for booster dose vaccines?

Answer: Orders are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesdays with shipments typically going out the following Tuesday. There currently is no shortage of vaccine supply.

Question: Will an automatic second-dose shipment occur if I am ordering for a booster dose?

Answer: Automatic second-dose shipments no longer will be sent following a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine order. Orders will not have a dose associated. Vaccinators should order vaccine as needed to ensure an adequate supply is on hand.

Question: Are the mRNA vaccines interchangeable?

Answer: For groups recommended to receive a booster, people have the option to receive any of the FDA-approved or FDA-authorized COVID-19 booster products (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna [half dose] or Janssen). People may consider the benefits and risks of each product and discuss with their health care provider which product is most appropriate for them.

Question: Are there plans for mass vaccination clinics from the state?

Answer: At this time, there are no state mass vaccination sites planned. Since there are no supply constraints, local vaccine efforts are being utilized. Smaller facility “mass vax” events are permissible.

Question: Can I give the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?

Answer: Per the CDC and ACIP recommendations, vaccinations are permitted to be co-administered with the COVID-19 vaccines.

Regional Coordination

Question: How do we get in contact with the Regional Implementation Team in our region?  

Answer: Information about the status of RITs is included in Vaccinating Missouri’s Workforce Against COVID-19: A Guide for Employers. Questions regarding the RIT in your area may be sent to CovidVaccine@health.mo.gov or contacting your regional team leader directly. 

Question: Will the RIT contact vaccinators, or should vaccinators contact them? 

Answer: If an RIT is established in your region, we encourage you to reach out. A Regional Implementation Map with contact information is available.

Question: What is the process for vaccine resource requests?  

Answer: At this time, resource requests should go through formal request processes (to your local emergency operations center or local emergency management director). It is a best practice to let your RIT and HCC know of the request for awareness. The RIT may be able to meet the need locally. 

Data

MHA produced a COVID-19 Vaccination Data Requirement Crosswalk to provide a quick reference to determine which vaccine-related data elements are required, which are optional and where each should be reported.

Question: How do I account for additional doses (or too few doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine in ShowMe Vax?

Answer: To account for an unexpected number of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, complete an adjustment by following the steps below.

1. Go to inventory, vaccines, on hand
2. Click action button for the vaccine
3. Select adjustment, reason is ‘extra’ or ‘insufficient amount’
4. Enter doses, comment extra doses per vials or ‘insufficient doses per vial’
5. Create. This will then update your current inventory on hand.

Question: Is there a public-facing Missouri Vaccinator Map?

Answer: The state maintains a listing of local vaccine events. Vaccine.gov is a federal website that users can enter their ZIP code to find facilities providing the COVID-19 vaccine nearby.

Question: What is the Missouri Vaccine Navigator?

Answer: The Missouri Vaccine Navigator was a system used early in the vaccination efforts to help Missourians navigate the COVID-19 vaccination process. This tool since has been retired. The state maintains a vaccine website with sections for the public to access additional information about the COVID-19 vaccines. This tool may not capture every event, and the public is encouraged to engage with local public health officials and health care facilities to learn more.

Question:  Where do individuals go to find vaccination events in their area?

Answer: Events are listed by region, under the events section of www.MoStopsCOVID.com. DHSS staff are available to help those who need additional support through the COVID-19 hotline at 877-435-8441.

VaccineFinder

Question: What is VaccineFinder?

Answer: For COVID-19 vaccine, VaccineFinder will be used by the federal government to track vaccine doses on hand. While VaccineFinder can be used by the public to find providers who offer select vaccines throughout the U.S., providers must ‘opt in’ for their location with this vaccine to be made publicly available.

Question: Am I required to enroll in VaccineFinder?

Answer: Yes, all providers who have received the vaccine must be enrolled in VaccineFinder. The only required component is COVID-19 Vaccine Inventory Reporting.

Question: How do I enroll in VaccineFinder?

Answer: After you enroll as a COVID-19 provider in ShowMeVax, an email to create an account to complete the registration will be sent to the provider organization’s email address submitted in the provider enrollment form. The email will be from vaccinefinder@auth.castlighthealth.com.

• Do you know who is listed for your organization?
  • Please also check spam/junk folders for this email.
  • This is a personalized link that will expire in seven days.

Question: What if I haven’t been notified?

Answer: If you do not receive an email and have received the vaccine, please email eocevent522@cdc.gov for registration assistance.

Question: What inventory reporting requirements do I have?

Answer: Update vaccine inventory in VaccineFinder each day no later than midnight local time (federal requirement).

• • Mandate: Inventory reporting to CDC is required for all vaccinators beginning upon receipt of first vaccine shipment or receipt of redistributed vaccine. Public reporting of vaccine location is optional at this point.
    • Overview
    • Factsheet
    • Provider resources
  • VaccineFinder Support number: 1-855-886-4317

Question: What is the best internet browser to use to access VaccineFinder?

Answer: VaccineFinder is optimized in Chrome.

Resources

The following ShowMeVax inventory entry troubleshooting resources are available.

• Adding Inventory
• Vaccine Transfers
• Vaccine-Accepting Transfers
• DHSS Vaccine Tracking Tool
• DHSS COVID-19 Vaccine Website — Vaccinator Resources