The North Dakota Department of Health recently announced the availability of funding for vaccine storage and handling equipment. This one-time funding is available to healthcare providers that are unable to purchase vaccine storage and handling equipment using their own funds.
Jenny Galbraith, Adult Immunization Manager with the North Dakota Department of Health, recently provided an overview of this funding program and eligibility guidelines for nursing homes. Allowable purchases made on or after May 18, 2022 will be reimbursed up to $5,000 per individual facility location Reimbursements may include purchasing cost of the equipment as well as tax, shipping and delivery charges.
Galbraith explained that available purchases include vaccine storage units, digital data loggers and vaccine transport coolers. She emphasized that dorm style refrigerators are not acceptable; due to the functionality, not the size. Data loggers have specific criteria to be eligible. Additional details regarding approved purchases can be found in the memo.
In order to be reimbursed all storage and handling equipment, the applicant must follow CDC’s storage and handling recommendations. Facilities with questions on whether an individual piece of equipment meets these standards should contact the NDDoH Division of Immunization. Providers must receive pre-approval from the NDDoH before they submit a reimbursement request. Facilities should seek that prior approval using this short Qualtrics survey by September 15, 2022.
Partners who are already receiving funding that allows for the purchase of storage equipment (i.e., local public health) are not eligible for reimbursement under this program. Past purchases of equipment are not eligible for reimbursement.
Contact the NDDoH Division of Immunization with any questions at 701.328.3386 or email covidvaccine@nd.gov.
Additional CDC Vaccine Storage and Handling Resources