For Official Use Only – Not for Public Release
Dear Public Health Service Officers,
I am writing today to provide you with an important update regarding the COVID-19 Pre-Deployment Vaccine training. The announcement sent out on Friday, February 12th requested a completion date of February 22, 2021 for all training. However, due to challenges and in support of all officers having the appropriate time to complete the request, I am extending the completion date for all training to March 14, 2021.
As a reminder, all Public Health Service officers are required to complete the “COVID-19 Vaccines Knowledge Course” on Commissioned Corps Learning Management System (CCLMS). This training to ensure our officers have the basic knowledge on vaccinations if called upon to deploy.
In addition, Public Health Service officers who are credentialed in the clinical disciplines of Physicians, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, Physician Assistants, Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Therapist, Veterinarians, Podiatrists, and Optometrists, are required to complete the additional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) courses within the training plan titled “COVID-19 Vaccination Training Programs for Healthcare Professionals” on the CDC’s website. The courses to complete within the training plan are:
- Vaccine Storage and Handling
- Vaccine Administration
- Communicating with Patients about Vaccines
- COVID-19 Vaccine Training and Clinical Materials
Lastly, we amended the following guidance documents for officers’ improved understanding:
- CDC TRAIN learning management system registration guide
- CDC TRAIN learning management system training plan registration steps
- Instructions regarding required courses by deployment role
- Clarification on how course completion tracking will be done
These documents are located on the Commissioned Corps Management Information System under the Training section and will help with questions you may have regarding the COVID-19 Pre-Deployment Vaccine training request.
The USPHS Commissioned Corps will play a role in achieving that goal, to include delivering direct clinical training and supporting vaccination program development across the country. Please continue to prepare for deployment in support of this very important public health crisis.
Questions regarding the trainings should be submitted to PHSCOTA@hhs.gov.
Respectfully,
Susan M. Orsega
RADM, USPHS
Acting Surgeon General
Director, Commissioned Corps Headquarters
For Official Use Only – Not for Public Release