COVID-19: ACP Releases Statement on Vaccine Provision, Payment

January 13, 2021

Recommendations address the role of clinicians as vaccinators and stress as essential communication and collaboration with patients' primary care team.

In a policy statement released on January 12, 2021, the American College of Physicians provided a series of 5 recommendations focused on how the COVID-19 vaccine should be provided, distributed, and paid for.

The recommendations address, in part, the role of licensed clinicians as vaccinators, the importance of informing all relevant parties about COVID-19 vaccines, the essential role of communication and collaboration with primary care to ensure patient safety, and issues of adequate and timely reimbursement.

In brief, the ACP recommends:

Use all trained, licensed clinicians to administer COVID-19 vaccine.

Widely distribute to all vaccinators all vaccine-related education materials, quality protocols, storage/handling requirements, documentation.

All vaccinators must communicate with a patient's primary care team to ensure safety and continuity of care.

COVID-19 vaccine administration data must be duly recorded in the patient's medical record and promptly reported to the appropriate state immunization system.

All payers must provide adequate reimbursement for all vaccines, including those against COVID-19. Insurers must communicate clearly on requirements that will ensure prompt reimbursement for vaccination and follow-up care.