The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from partners Pfizer and BioNTech were administered to the first health care workers Monday, Dec. 7, following final federal approval over the weekend.
 
The CDC recommendations for the first phase in vaccine distribution included home health caregivers, but it is up to individual states to determine who gets the initial doses.
 
Agency leaders should check with their state and local health departments if interested in vaccine distribution. CMS has said that it will pay providers for administering the vaccine to beneficiaries.
 
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will need to be kept at temperatures only possible in select freezers, but Moderna's vaccine (expected to face consideration for approval this week) will be able to be stored in common medical freezers.
 
According to the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine storage and handling toolkit, providers looking to administer the vaccine in the home should carefully review the section on “Vaccine Transport” to ensure their facility has the appropriate procedures and supplies in place.
 
Other links that agencies should monitor: