New Patient Blood Management Program, Vaccinations for Ages 12-15

We are proud that Virginia has one of the highest rates of vaccination in the nation, with more three million of our population fully vaccinated. Inova has played a major role in this tremendous progress. We have much to be proud of as the trusted healthcare leader in our communities. However, our work is not yet finished. Vaccine hesitancy is real, and vaccination rates are already beginning to decline. Confidence in the vaccines within communities continues to be key to address hesitancy. As members of the healthcare community, we are the most trusted sources for supporting and educating those with concerns about vaccination. This week’s Motew Minute provides great tips about how you can help address vaccine hesitancy among patients, friends and family.

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The FDA and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have authorized the use of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in children and adolescents ages 12-15 years. Inova began vaccinating this age group at the Stonebridge Vaccination Center yesterday

Team members are encouraged to make an appointment for their child if they are 12 years or older. Appointments are required and can be scheduled using MyChart.

To make an appointment:

Ages 12 and 13: Using their own MyChart account, a parent or guardian must complete the electronic child proxy form. Once processed, the parent will have proxy access to schedule appointments.
Ages 14-17: Using their own MyChart account, a parent can submit the teen permission form which allows a teenager to activate a MyChart account. The teen can then grant proxy access to the parent via email. Once the parent accepts invitation, they will be able to schedule an appointment.
Click here for more information on setting up and requesting access to child and teen MyChart Proxy accounts.
All children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at their vaccination appointment to provide consent for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Safe@Inova starts with our team members, and vaccination is the best way to keep ourselves, our patients and our families safe from COVID-19. We encourage team members to make an appointment today for yourself and your family members today.

We are in the midst of a nationwide blood shortage. Many blood centers only have a 1-2-day supply of blood products. Hospitals that have implemented a robust patient blood management program (PBM) have been able to better manage their blood product inventories during this shortage.

Across our community we have seen a decrease in blood donations and at the same time have seen an increased demand for blood products across our health system. While there are many reasons for this increased demand some key drivers include increased Massive Transfusion activations, trauma and surgical patients, and outpatient transfusion needs.

Inova has partnered with Accumen to develop a comprehensive Patient Blood Management (PBM) program. Our Patient Blood Management Committee, with the assistance of Accumen, has been able to identify the following opportunities to conserve our inventory and ensure that patients needing blood products are able to receive them:

Please adhere to Inova’s recommended transfusion guidelines (criteria).

For non-bleeding patients: 1 RBC unit per patient if hemoglobin is less than 7 gm/dL.
Orders for RBC transfusions for patients with HGB > 7 gm/dL require medical director approval.
Consider managing mild or moderately anemic patients with intravenous iron supplementation.

Each and every decision to transfuse has an impact on our patients.

If we do not shift our current practices and take measures to conserve our blood inventory, we may need to adopt more heightened precautions, which could include cancellations of elective procedures or potential diversion.

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Inova team members from across the system are stepping up to help our community by donating blood. Just one hour of your time can save up to three lives. Make an appointment to donate blood today and share a photo of yourself giving blood with tracy.connell@inova.org for inclusion in the weekly huddle.

If you’re eligible to give blood, we encourage you to take the time now to schedule your appointment, as community blood supply is still critically low.

This team member (and one in training) saved six lives. Thank you to Inova Chief Pharmacy Officer, Melanie Massiah-White and her daughter, first time donor Naomi, for giving the gift of life.

Call 1-866-BLOODSAVES or visit https://www.inovablood.org/donate-blood/make-an-appointment/ to make your appointment,

The CDC announced this week that fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, whether indoors or outdoors; however, this guidance does not apply inside a healthcare setting. Per Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) requirements, Inova team members are still required to mask and socially distance while inside an Inova care site.

Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 and the first step in ending the pandemic and getting back to normal.

If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, appointments are available at Inova’s Stonebridge Vaccination Center at 5001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria.
Schedule an appointment through MyChart today.
If you are unable to get to Inova’s clinic, there are multiple sites throughout the region that are offering vaccine. Click here for more information on finding a vaccination site that is convenient for you.

We are pleased to announce that for the past two months there has been a steady decline in the number of calls from team members reporting COVID-19 related symptoms, exposures and positive test results. This can be attributed to Inova’s successful COVID-19 vaccination program; Inova team members’ consistent adherence to PPE protocols; and the decrease of COVID-19 cases in the community. Therefore, we will be returning to normal operations and following the Team Members Exposed to Infectious Disease policy effective Monday, May 17. This impacts the process for reporting exposures, symptoms and testing related to COVID-19. Click here to see the updated testing algorithm.

What’s New?

Inova will continue providing video visits, testing and follow-up for team members only if they are part of a confirmed workplace exposure.
Team members with symptoms or an exposure not related to work are advised to see their Primary Care Provider (PCP) for a medical evaluation and testing if warranted.
Team members who test positive for COVID-19 are still required to inform their leader and contact Team Member Health for contact tracing and clearance to return to work.
Team members who test negative do not need to inform Team Member Health and should follow the same sick rules already in place.

Why?

These changes allow us to align COVID-19 related illness with our “Team Members Exposed to Infectious Disease” policy
COVID-19 testing is readily accessible in the community if your PCP feels it is needed.
COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at Inova and other locations in the community.

Options for testing:

Contact your PCP.
If you don’t have a PCP, the following resources are available for evaluation and testing if needed: