COVID-19 Vaccine

Independent pharmacies are going to play an integral role in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly when it comes to maximizing accessibility at the community level. In preparation for this monumental undertaking, we want to ensure you’re ready to start immediately when it’s your turn to join the next phase in the fight against the coronavirus.

We’re staying in constant contact with the federal government and the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) so we can continue to evolve our resources and share with you the latest information as soon as it becomes available. Based on what we know today, here are our recommendations on what you can do right now to prepare for administering the COVID-19 in your pharmacy.

April 13, 2021

UPDATE: Operational guidance from CDC and FDA on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

Today, CDC and FDA recommended a pause in the use of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine due to reports of adverse events. Pending further notice, the following operational guidance should be implemented. Read more

April 13, 2021

CDC and FDA recommend pausing all J&J vaccine administrations until further notice

Per the CDC guidance, AmerisourceBergen is advising stores to postpone appointments for the J&J vaccinations until the CDC advises on backfill inventory for these appointments with another type of vaccine in the coming week. At this point, pharmacies with Janssen COVID-19 vaccine inventory should hold on to it and should not ship it back to the CDC’s designated distribution center or to AmerisourceBergen. We are waiting on guidance from CDC on patient information and will share that with you as soon as it is available. We will continue to keep you posted on developments as they occur.  Read more

COVID-19 vaccine implementation guide

This helpful guide covers all the mandatory requirements your pharmacy needs to meet so you can administer the COVID-19 vaccine to your patients. Please complete these steps as soon as possible to ensure you're ready to go when Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccine distribution begins.

CDC-required COVID-19 vaccine training

Learn how to access the training that is required by the CDC to participate in the Good Neighbor Pharmacy/Elevate Provider Network Federal Pharmacy Partnership Strategy for COVID-19 Vaccination for Phase 2.

CDC-recommended training resources

COVID-19 marketing resources and updates

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the ability to communicate with your patients quickly and from a safe distance more important than ever for independent pharmacies.

Watch this video to learn best practices for promoting your COVID-19 vaccination services. You’ll also see what marketing resources are available to Good Neighbor Pharmacy members and how your business coach can provide valuable guidance and support as you launch your vaccine offering.
 

Do you have questions about the Good Neighbor Pharmacy/Elevate Provider Network COVID-19 vaccine partnership for Phase 2 distribution?

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Caremark COVID-19 Vaccine Network – Action Required

You should have received a fax from Caremark on December 11, 2020, regarding their new COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Network that requires your attention if you elect to participate. Your pharmacy location may enroll in the Network at any time; however, Caremark is restricting Network participation to providers that are currently prepared to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to ensure accurate directory listings for their clients and members. Due to Caremark’s specific Network requirements, Elevate is unable to contract on your behalf and your pharmacy will need to contract directly with Caremark.
 
If you elect to enroll in the COVID-19 Vaccination Network, please carefully review the terms and conditions and return the completed form to Caremark via the fax number listed on the Enrollment Form. If you have any questions, please contact CVS Caremark Network Services at 1-866-488-4708.
 
If you need further assistance, please reach out to the Elevate Provider Network Helpdesk at 888-880-1388 or via email.

COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Submission 

Until further notice, funding for the COVID-19 Vaccine will be provided by the federal government through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES Act). Accordingly, pharmacies will not be reimbursed for drug product costs or dispensing fees submitted for federally funded COVID-19 Vaccines. Elevate Provider Network has contracted with PBMs for member pharmacies to receive reimbursement for COVID-19 vaccine administration at the national recommended rates established by CMS.

Webinar Recording: COVID-19 Vaccination Implementation

CDC leaders Dr. Nancy Messonnier and Amanda Cohn present “COVID-19 Vaccination Implementation and the ‘Vaccinate with Confidence’ Strategy.” This presentation hosted by the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) updates healthcare professionals on the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine planning and implementation, including vaccine distribution strategy, current state planning efforts, and the COVID-19 “Vaccinate with Confidence” strategy.

Independents Join Major Retailers in Gaining Access to COVID-19 Vaccine

AmerisourceBergen has reached an agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to include Good Neighbor Pharmacy and the Elevate Provider Network members in the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Strategy for COVID-19 Vaccination.

COVID-19 Clinical Training and Resources 

A list of immunization training and educational materials, including basic and COVID-19-vaccine-specific information.

COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook

This document serves as an interim playbook for state, territorial (including the US-affiliated Pacific Islands [USAPI] of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau), tribal, and local public health programs and their partners on how to plan and operationalize a vaccination response to COVID-19 within their jurisdictions.

Need additional support?

Please contact us and one of our representatives will reach out to you regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.