It is important to prepare your practice and staff for the nuances of implementing COVID-19 vaccine, as there will be some differences and similarities compared to routine vaccines.

Know your Vaccine Products and Storage Needs

There are two vaccine brands (Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech) authorized for use in children ages 6 months and older; each with different formulations. Your clinic may receive any of the currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Use the recommended resources below to prepare your staff for using these products in your office.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines

Original Vaccine (Monovalent)

For ages 6 months – 4 years: Vaccine vials will have a maroon cap and arrive in a package containing 100 doses (10 vials with 10 doses in each vial) and required diluent.

For ages 5-11 years: Vaccine vials will have an orange cap and arrive in a package containing 100 doses (10 vials with 10 doses in each vial) and required diluent.

For ages 12 years and older: Vaccine vials will have a gray cap and will arrive in packages containing 300 doses (50 vials of 6 doses in each vial).

Updated (Bivalent) Vaccine

For ages 6 months – 4 years: Vaccine vials will have a maroon cap and arrive in a package containing 100 doses (10 vials with 10 doses in each vial) and required diluent.

For ages 5 – 11 years: Vaccine vials will have an orange cap with an orange-border label and will arrive in a package containing 100 doses (10 multiple-dose vials with 10 doses in each vial) and required diluent.

For ages 12 years and older: Vaccine vials will have a gray cap with a gray-border label and will arrive in cartons of ten 0.3mL single-dose vials or ten multiple-dose vials containing six doses of 0.3 mL each.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine products can be stored at standard refrigeration temperatures for up to 10 weeks. Storage for longer than 10 weeks requires an Ultra Cold freezer.

See the Overview of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Products for additional information

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines

Original Vaccine (Monovalent)

For ages 6 months – 5 years: Vaccine vials have a dark blue cap with a magenta border and arrive in a package containing 100 doses (10 vials with 10 doses in each vial).

For ages 6 – 11 years: Vaccine vials have a dark blue cap with a purple border, with a label that states “Booster Doses Only.” Each vial contains 5 doses.

For ages 12 years and older: Vaccine vials will have a red cap with a blue border. Each 5.5 mL vial contains five 0.5 mL primary doses

Updated (Bivalent) Booster

For ages 6 months – 5 years: Vaccine vials have a dark pink cap with a yellow box on the label and arrive in 2-dose vials in cartons of 10 vials each (20 doses total) and will arrive in a package containing 100 doses. Each dose is 0.2mL.

For ages 6+ years: Vaccine vials will have a dark blue cap and a gray-border label. The same vial is used for all authorized age groups (ages 6 years and older), but volume and dosage differ by age.

Dose/Injection Volume:
For ages 6 – 11 years: 0.25mL
For ages 12 years and older: 0.5mL

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine products can be stored at standard refrigeration temperatures for up to 30 days. Store in a standard freezer for longer than 30 days.

See Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Presentations for additional information.

Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Storage and Expiry page to find the specific details

Novavax (Primary Series)

For ages 12 years and older: Vaccine vials will have a dark blue cap. Each multiple-dose vial contains ten doses of 0.5mL each.

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine products can be stored at standard refrigeration temperatures until the expiration date. Check expiration date by scanning the QR on the outer carton or go to: www.novavaxcovidvaccine.com

Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Storage (Primary Series)

For ages 18 years and older in certain limited situations.

The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine products can be stored at standard refrigeration temperatures until the expiration date. To determine the expiration date: scan the QR code on the outer carton, call 1-800-565-4008, or visit www.vaxcheck.jnj. Write the expiration date on the carton.

Resources:

Prepare for Supplies

COVID-19 Vaccines arrive with ancillary supply kits. They include safety needles, diluents (when needed), syringes, and more. Organize your space to include these supplies.

Consider Liability

Although the administration of COVID-19 vaccines are not currently covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, they are covered under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act. State law may also limit liability for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines.

Train your Staff

Prior to implementing COVID-19 vaccine in your practice, staff will need to understand the differences in storing, handling, and administering COVID-19 vaccine products. While many of the basics are the same, there are some differences that your staff need to know to provide accurate and safe administration of COVID-19 vaccine to your patients. Different vaccine products are approved for use in different ages, so make sure your staff understands which product is appropriate for each patient.

AAP Training Resources

AAP Becoming a COVID-19 Vaccinator Video Series
View this video series to learn more about the following:

  • Signing Up
  • Planning
  • Scheduling
  • Storage and Handling
  • Vaccine Administration
  • Reporting
  • Coding and Billing
  • Your Patients and Your Community

CDC Training Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also offers COVID-19 Vaccine Training Modules

This series includes the following:

FDA EUA Health Care Provider Fact Sheets

Last Updated

12/08/2022

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics