COVID-19 Summer Wave: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know

The U.S. is currently navigating an unexpected summer wave, with cases showing no signs of slowing down. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), key metrics are concerning, with emergency department visits for COVID-19 rising week over week and hospitalizations surging by 25% since late May.

To effectively manage this surge, staying informed and prepared is crucial. Here’s what you need to know about the current situation and how your practice can leverage technology to assist.

Understanding the COVID-19 Summer Wave

The CDC reports that nearly every state is experiencing high transmission rates, with several regions classified as having “very high” levels of community spread.

This summer wave is driven by several factors. One significant contributor is the virus’s ability to evolve and evade existing immunity. The so-called FLiRT variants—KP.2, KP.3, and KP.1.1—are now responsible for most cases in the country. These variants have adapted to overcome some of the immunity that has built up in the population, leading to increased infection rates. Globally, the rate at which reported coronavirus tests are coming back positive has been rising for weeks—to above 10% globally and more than 20% in Europe. In California, the positive test rate was 14.3% for the week ending August 5th—surpassing the peaks from last summer and winter, and up from 10% a month ago.

Additionally, population immunity has waned over time. Many individuals have not received the latest booster shots, and while vaccines remain effective at reducing severe illness and hospitalizations, they are less effective at preventing infection altogether. Compounding this issue, people are spending more time indoors in air-conditioned environments due to the summer heat, increasing the risk of transmission.

The Rise of the FLiRT Variant

Leveraging AccuVax for Streamlined Vaccine Administration During the COVID-19 Surge

As healthcare providers navigate the ongoing COVID-19 surge, managing vaccine administration efficiently is more important than ever. With increased patient volumes and the need to oversee multiple vaccinations, including COVID-19 boosters, practices must streamline their workflows to maintain high standards of care. AccuVax, an automated vaccine management system, offers several features that can significantly enhance vaccine administration during this challenging time.

1. Ensure Accurate Temperature Control to Protect Vaccine Integrity

• Guaranteed Temperature Monitoring
  AccuVax automates temperature control, ensuring vaccines are consistently stored within the required temperature range. The system continuously monitors temperature data and provides real-time alerts for any deviations. This automation reduces the risk of temperature excursions and ensures that all administered vaccines are potent and effective.
• Instant Text Alerts
  AccuVax goes a step further by providing instant text alerts when the power goes out. These alerts enable healthcare providers to respond swiftly, minimizing the risk of temperature excursions. With real-time notifications, you can take immediate action to safeguard your Covid-19 vaccine inventory.

2. Simplify Inventory Management

Managing vaccine inventory can be complex, especially during a surge when demand is high and supply chains may be strained. AccuVax simplifies this process by providing real-time inventory tracking. The system automatically updates inventory levels as vaccines are administered, giving providers an accurate view of their stock at any given moment.

This feature allows healthcare providers to:

• Reduce Waste: By knowing exactly how much vaccine is on hand, providers can avoid over-ordering and minimize waste.
• Prevent Stockouts: Real-time inventory data helps ensure that providers have sufficient stock to meet patient demand, preventing stockouts that could disrupt vaccination efforts.
• Streamline Reordering: AccuVax can generate automatic reorder alerts when stock levels fall below a predetermined threshold, simplifying the reordering process and ensuring a steady supply of vaccines. (Exclusive to McKesson)

3. Improve Workflow Efficiency

Efficiency in vaccine administration is critical during a surge, when practices may see an influx of patients. AccuVax automates many manual tasks associated with vaccine management, freeing up staff time and reducing the risk of human error.

• Automated Logging and Reporting: AccuVax automatically logs each vaccine administration and generates detailed reports, minimizing administrative tasks and ensuring accurate records.
• Patient Safety: AccuVax supports verification processes such as barcode scanning to ensure the correct vaccine is administered to each patient, further reducing the risk of errors.

4. Streamline Reporting and Compliance

Accurate reporting is critical for compliance with public health regulations and monitoring the progress of vaccination efforts. AccuVax simplifies this process with automated reporting features.

• Regulatory Compliance: AccuVax helps ensure that practices comply with state and federal regulations by automating the reporting process and reducing the risk of errors.
• Data-Driven Insights: The system’s reporting capabilities provide valuable insights that can inform decisions on vaccine allocation, and inventory management during a surge.

In the face of the ongoing COVID-19 surge, AccuVax offers healthcare providers a robust system for streamlining vaccine administration. By automating temperature control, inventory management, workflow processes, and reporting, AccuVax allows staff to focus on delivering high-quality care.

At TruMed Systems, we’re committed to supporting healthcare providers with innovative solutions like Accuvax to streamline workflows and improve patient outcomes. Together, we can face the challenges of this summer surge and continue to protect the health of our communities.