Table of Contents:
Setting up the module (ACTION NEEDED)
High-level changes to COVID-19 appointment-types
Historically, COVID-19 was categorized according to age and brand of vaccine.
Since the launch of our COVID-19 module, a few changes have been identified:
Although patients may still have a loosely held preference, they no longer hold a strong preference for a specific COVID-19 vaccine brand
Infant vaccines are now available for booking in several jurisdictions
Last dose date and brand are no longer required–unless it's a primary series, only a minimum 3-month interval since the last COVID-19 vaccine is needed
The number of brand-specific COVID-19 appointment-types to maintain had become unsustainable
To address these updates, we have implemented the following changes:
Appointment Grouping: All COVID appointment types are now nested under a group called "COVID-19 Vaccine."
Multi-service Booking: Flu shots are now offered as a co-bookable appointment. When patients schedule a COVID appointment, they're prompted to book a flu shot, potentially increasing clinical opportunities.
Updated Screening and Documentation: We've streamlined the documentation process and incorporated the most up-to-date vaccine screening questions.
Last Dose Date and Brand Fields Removed: Patients will now be asked if their last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection occurred at least 3 months ago, in line with NACI guidelines.
COVID-19 Vaccine Preference Added: Patients can indicate their preferred vaccine brand. While this doesn't guarantee availability, it helps pharmacists gauge demand and plan inventory.
List of COVID-19 Appointment-Types:
There are three COVID appointment types to address the age groups and vaccine products that pharmacists can administer:
Adult (age 12+)
Pediatric (ages 5–11)
Infant (6 months–4 years)
These COVID appointment types are grouped under a new category called "COVID-19 Vaccine." The MedMe Clinical Team will regularly review and update this list in accordance with changing COVID vaccination guidelines.
Appointment Group for COVID-19 Vaccines
Patient Intake Changes
Multi-Service Booking
Patients are now prompted to co-book a flu vaccine when scheduling a COVID vaccine. This serves as a reminder for patients and allows them to potentially book both vaccines for a single appointment. Pharmacists have reported that patients can request additional vaccines during their visit, which can have a downstream effect on a tightly scheduled vaccination clinic. By scheduling both doses in advance, pharmacists can better plan their days and patients can avoid unnecessary return visits to the pharmacy.
Multi-service booking. Patients are prompted to book another service (flu shot) upon booking a COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccine Preference
Patients can now indicate their preferred vaccine brand. A disclaimer has been added to clarify that while preferences are noted, specific vaccine brands cannot be guaranteed.
Vaccine Preference Field. Choices include Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer, No Preference
"No" to All
Patients can now easily select "no" to all vaccine screening questions. A disclaimer has been added to ensure patients understand the importance of reading each question carefully. This improvement is expected to reduce the abandonment rate during the booking process.
Select "no" to all vaccine screening questions feature
Optional Screening Questions
Optional screening questions have been added for shingles, pneumonia, and RSV, in order to flag additional opportunities for the pharmacist.
Optional screening questions for additional care opportunities
Pharmacist-side changes
Built-in Conditional Logic
Based on the vaccine selected, the correct available doses will show (adult vs. pediatric vs. infant), making it easier than ever for pharmacists to document administration.
Note: Upon approval of COVID-19 vaccine supply in Canada, vaccine names and their corresponding DINs will be updated.
Setting up the module (ACTION NEEDED):
1. Turn off the old brand-based COVID-19 appointment-types by going into settings > appointment Types > select appointment > toggle “Ensure public intake for this appointment type” to off (toggle should be grey)
2. Set up availability for the new COVID-19 appointment-types that your pharmacy will support (for more information on setting up availability go here)
3. Turn on public intake (toggle should be blue) for the COVID appointment-types that your pharmacy will support (Adult, Pediatric, Infant)
4. You may need to change or embed specific vaccine links to your website. You can find the link in settings > appointment-type settings > select an appointment-type > calendar availability
If you wish to embed a group link for all COVID appointment-types you can use the following URL at the end of your domain name:
https://yourdomainmedmeapp.com/schedule/activity-groups/COVID-19