California Bridge Access Program
No-cost COVID-19 vaccines for uninsured & underinsured adults
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Vaccine Updates
Clinical Guidance
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Program Overview
On April 18, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the HHS Bridge Access Program (BAP) for COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments. The BAP is a temporary measure connected to the commercialization of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment. It was created to prevent loss of access to free COVID-19 vaccines and treatment for uninsured and underinsured aged 19 years and older. The program will begin September 2023 and will end on December 31, 2024. More detailed information can be found at the CDC’s Bridge Access Program Page, and in the CDPH BAP Requirements at a Glance.
The State program will utilize existing public health infrastructure, HRSA-supported health centers, and participating pharmacies via two major components:
- Provide support for the existing public section vaccine safety net, implemented and maintained by state immunization programs and HRSA-supported health centers.
- Create a funded partnership with pharmacy chains that will enable them to continue offering free COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments. This is a separate component under federal contract with key pharmacy chains. Participating chains will be able to provide COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured adult populations as well. All information on this landing page addresses the public health component.
Program Resources
- Provider Participation Agreement
- Requirements at a Glance (includes guidance and job aids)
- COVID-19 Commercialization FAQs on BAP (updated September 15)
- Talking Points for BAP COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatment (NCIRD)
- Infographic – Where Can Someone Get Vaccine? (CDC)
- California BAP Timeline
- NEW FAQs about the Bridge Access Program (CDC)
Program Enrollment
Local health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)/Rural Health Centers, tribal clinics, Indian Health Services sites, and additional providers deemed eligible by LHDs are able to enroll in the Bridge Access Program. Eligible providers who are NOT already enrolled in myCAvax should reach out to CDPH at ProviderCallCenter@cdph.ca.gov to first enroll in myCAvax, and then BAP. CDPH is actively working with LHDs to determine eligible sites and will contact eligible sites directly with enrollment instructions. Multi-County Entities (MCEs) and Correctional Facilities do not qualify.
Once enrollment procedures are finalized and locations are chosen, the CDC will provide each state with a list of approved BAP providers and post a list of enrolled providers on their website.
Enrollment Resources
- Enrolling in the Bridge Access Program
- Enrollment Kit (new organizations)
- Enrolling New Provider Organizations
- Enrolling New Provider Locations
- Enrolling in CAIR (required)
- My Turn Vaccine Administration System (optional)
Vaccine Access, Products & Timing Guides
COVID-19 vaccines are now considered routine vaccines. Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer-BioNTech adult vaccine products will be available through this program. Products and formulations are to be determined pending FDA approval this fall. Providers will be notified when these resources are updated after new vaccine products are authorized and bivalent products are deauthorized.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Access & Ordering (private and public vaccine)
- Private Purchase & Manufacturer Info
- COVID Vaccine Product Guide
- COVID Timing Guide | Spanish
- Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for Use in the United States Beginning in Fall 2023 (FDA)
Required Training
All staff completing the BAP Provider Participation Agreement will complete the required program training in myCAvax before enrollment. Any staff who store, handle, or administer COVID-19 vaccines must also complete COVID-19 Vaccine Product Training prior to receiving vaccine shipments. Note: Training for new fall 2023 vaccine products coming soon.
Provider Operations
Additional Resources
- BAP Eligibility Screening, Vaccine Administration, and Vaccine Management
- COVID-19 Vaccine Resources: For Providers | For Patients