UMMS COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Patients/Non-Employees or Community Members
UMMS is following federal and state guidance to give the COVID-19 vaccine to patients and members of our community. Currently, all Marylanders ages 5 and older are eligible to be vaccinated.
The COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Patients/Non-Employees or Community Members outlines UMMS’s procedures for vaccinating non-employees against COVID-19 and will ensure the safety and consent of vaccine recipients. In particular, the policy details the age restrictions for each of the current COVID-19 vaccines, how UMMS providers will obtain consent, how UMMS will monitor for and treat immediate adverse events following vaccination, and how UMMS and vaccine recipients should report any such adverse events.
The COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Patients/Non-Employees or Community Members was updated on February 14, 2022, to reflect that the COVID-19 vaccination consent form is no longer required for adult patients (ages 18 and over). For inpatients and at community vaccination sites, adult patients will acknowledge receipt of the Vaccine Information Sheet/EUA Fact Sheet, which will be documented during the screening process. The consent form is still required for the vaccination of minors (ages 5-17) and will continue to be signed by the parent/guardian as outlined in the policy. Additionally, all UMMS team members must continue to sign the Employee Vaccination Consent form prior to vaccination as outlined in the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy.
Click here to view the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Patients/Non-Employees or Community Members.
FAQs
Who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at this time?
UMMS is following federal and state guidance to vaccinate patients and members of our community. Currently, all Marylanders ages 5 and older are eligible to be vaccinated.
What happens if a patient has an adverse event following the COVID-19 vaccine?
Patients will be monitored for any signs of immediate adverse events following vaccination. The duration of monitoring will depend on the patient’s allergy history in accordance with guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). UMMS facilities will prepare for the recognition, assessment, and treatment of any immediate adverse event and will document the adverse event in the patient’s electronic health record, within Epic, and on the Adverse Drug Event (ADE) SmartForm.
UMMS Clinical Pharmacy Services will centrally collect and review all adverse events reported at any UMMS vaccination site and determine whether those adverse events qualify as mandatory reportable adverse events. If deemed a reportable event, UMMS Clinical Pharmacy Services will report these adverse events to VAERS, as required by law.
Patients who need medical care for adverse events that happen after they are discharged from the hospital or have left the vaccination site should call their doctor. If they do not have a doctor or if they need immediate care, they should go to the closest Emergency Department or urgent care location.
These patients are also encouraged to report to VAERS using the toll-free number (1-800-822-7967) or online. The CDC also has an optional text-message-based tool called v-safe (https://v-safe.cdc.gov), where patients can report any side effects, receive follow-up care as needed and get reminders for their second dose.
My patient does not know which COVID-19 vaccine product they received for their first dose of a two-dose mRNA series. What should I do?
Every effort should be made to determine the manufacturer of the first mRNA shot. If immunization history cannot be confirmed, CDC ACIP guidance will be followed for alternative vaccine products to complete the series.
What procedures are UMMS entities required to follow when administering the COVID-19 vaccines in the Emergency Department?
UMMS entities may develop workflows to identify and administer COVID-19 vaccines to eligible patients during the course of their visit to the ED. UMMS entities will be responsible for communicating these workflows to key stakeholders prior to implementation.
Where do I find more information about the COVID-19 vaccines?
For the latest information and FAQs on the COVID-19 vaccines, please continue to check our Vaccine Guidance page on the UMMS Insider.