Hello NEMSA.

We wanted to pass along good news from the Governor’s press conference this morning.  The Department of Health and Human Services outlined its plans for vaccine distribution, which could begin in mid-December.

EMS providers have been added to the phase 1A group for priority vaccine distribution.

Here is some more details on the state’s vaccine plan:

http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-Vaccination-Plan.pdf

Phased Approach to COVID-19 Vaccination Critical Populations and Providers Nebraska is planning a phased approach to COVID-19 Vaccination distribution, beginning with Phase 1 where the volume of doses is low and supply is constricted. During this phase, vaccines will only be available for Phase 1 providers to order and receive, and only Phase 1 target populations will receive vaccination. Nebraska is additionally breaking Phase 1 into two sections, Phase 1a and Phase 1b, providing even greater separation between target populations to ensure that initial doses are given to critical portions of the population. Phase 2 assumes a larger availability of vaccine, likely sufficient to meet demand, and requires expansion of the provider network to vaccinate a larger portion of the population. Finally, Phase 3 represents a shift towards ongoing vaccination where there is open access to the product via the more traditional network of vaccination. Phase 1 Providers will include current Vaccine for Children (VFC) partners already connected to NESIIS for ordering vaccine and reporting data, and those able to administer vaccine in closed setting specific to Phase 1, such as:

o Local Health Departments

o FQHCs, Community Based Clinics, Tribal Healthcare

o Hospitals – closed settings

Hope you are all staying well!

Michelle Weber

Zulkoski | Weber