Questions & Answers from Webinar on July 15, 2020 – Vaccine Inventory
1. Are we able to start logging into SIMON training? Also, what are the username and passwords?
SIMON training videos, demos and webinars are available on our website at scdhec.gov/SIMON. The SIMON Training environment is unavailable at this time. We will send out communications with the username and password for the SIMON Training Environment at a later date.
2. Do we need to do re-enrollment before our regularly scheduled time due to SIMON starting in September?
2020-2021 VFC re-enrollment will begin in SIMON on September 14, 2020. Users will need to complete the new VFC re-enrollment process in SIMON after Go-Live. Users can update information in SCIAPPS prior to the SIMON Go-Live.
3. Are we still on track for Go-Live September 14, 2020?
Yes, we are still on track for a September 14, 2020 Go-Live of SIMON.
4. We enrolled in April for both of our hospitals, will we have to redo everything again?
2020-2021 VFC re-enrollment will begin in SIMON on September 14, 2020. Users will need to complete the new VFC re-enrollment process in SIMON after Go-Live. Users can update information in SCIAPPS prior to the SIMON Go-Live.
5. Will staff use the same username and password, or will we have new logins?
Staff will have different usernames and passwords for SIMON. This information will be sent to you at a later date.
6. Will our ordered vaccines automatically be uploaded into our inventory when they are shipped out or will we have to manually add those?
Yes, a provider will have the capability to accept the vaccine order in SIMON and the vaccines will be automatically added to the inventory. The provider will still be responsible for reviewing the vaccine order shipment file and ensure this matches what was actually delivered.
7. What about subsequent orders once SIMON is live? If we have to reorder during the season will we manually enter the vaccine the same way?
SIMON will require a one-time manual entry of vaccine inventory in the system. This will be done on the first date of Go-Live. Once SIMON is LIVE on September 14, 2020, providers will be required to submit their vaccine electronically within SIMON. Once the order has been approved, a shipment file will be uploaded in SIMON of the vaccines that was placed for the order. Once the shipment is “Accepted” within SIMON, the inventory will be added to the existing inventory (VFC and STATE orders only). This will be demonstrated in the SIMON-Vaccine Order Webinar.
8. If we are entering our Private vaccines in here as well, we will have to manually enter those vaccines each time, but we do not need to do so for VFC and State vaccines, correct?
The vaccine inventory for Private vaccines must be added into SIMON manually if the site wishes to borrow from VFC/STATE vaccine stock. Once a vaccine order has been approved, a shipment file will be uploaded in SIMON with a list of the vaccines which were placed for the order. Once the shipment is “Accepted” within SIMON, the inventory will be added to the existing inventory (VFC and STATE orders only). This will be demonstrated in the SIMON-Vaccine Order Webinar.
9. Will we be preordering flu vaccine this year?
Flu pre-book is due back to the Immunization Division this Friday, July 17, 2020. If you did not receive a pre-book form, please send the division a request to scvf@dhec.sc.gov so we can send the form to you. Tentatively, the Supplemental Flu phase will open in November 2020.
10. Will we be returning to a spring re-enrollment next year or will it be changing to a fall enrollment after SIMON is live?
Re-enrollment is now a 24-month requirement. We will return to Spring re-enrollment in the future. Users will still need to update all information on their VFC profile application annually.
11. Is it recommended to add Private vaccines into SIMON?
In order to borrow vaccines from VFC/ STATE stock, the system will require you to add private vaccine doses into the system. This is required for vaccination reconciliation. Therefore, if you borrow VFC/STATE vaccines, your private vaccines must be in the system.
12. If we are unable to give any vaccines on 9/14 until the vaccines are all entered, that will mean a bit of time (however long it takes to get them all entered) on a Monday morning, where patients will be unable to get vaccines?
The division will be providing guidance in the near future on how you can plan for this. Fortunately, this is only a one-time action item.
13. Are the certificates being pulled over or are we uploading them to SIMON?
Certificates will not be imported to SIMON.
14. Will my EHR have the information on the vaccines we will be using?
You will need to reach out to your EHR vendor to see if they have all the information needed.
15. Does my EHR read over to SIMON the inventory information?
No.
Contact Us
We value your input as we modernize and continue to provide quality immunization services and increase our vaccine coverage in South Carolina. If you have questions, please email SIMON@dhec.sc.gov.