SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is calling on all New Mexico healthcare providers caring for immunosuppressed patients to register with the agency as an approved COVID-19 vaccine provider in anticipation of federal approval and recommendation for booster shots for portions of New Mexico’s population.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is imminently expected to authorize a booster dose of COVID vaccines for patients with weakened immune systems.
“We’re asking healthcare practitioners statewide to register with the Department of Health as soon as possible,” said NMDOH Acting Secretary Dr. David Scrase. “The more providers registered to distribute booster vaccinations, the faster we can get those shots into the arms of New Mexicans who need them the most.”
“COVID-19 vaccines are safe and continue to provide very good defense against serious illness requiring hospitalization,” said Dr. Scrase. “It will be particularly important for those with weakened immunized systems to get a booster shot to protect their health, and we want everyone treating them to be ready to administer the booster shots in their offices.”
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will be meeting on 8/13/2021 to review the available scientific data on this topic. A formal recommendation may be made to CDC shortly thereafter
“The Department of Health is willing to assist providers as needed to assure they complete all the steps to help them get started,” said NMDOH Deputy Secretary Dr. Laura Parajon.
For physicians wishing to register to administer COVID-19 booster shots, please contact the New Mexico Statewide Immunization Information system (NMSIIS) Help Desk at covid.vaccines@state.nm.us or register online at https://cv.nmhealth.org/providers/vaccines/vaccine-provider-portal/.
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NMDOH
David Morgan, Media & Social Media Mgr. | david.morgan@state.nm.us | (575) 649-0754