The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently held its quarterly meeting on September 18th and 19th. In this session, they reviewed COVID-19 vaccines including updates to the vaccine implementation. During the meeting, the committee voted on the following recommendations for the 2025-2026 season:
- For adults ages 65 and older: Vaccination is recommended based on individual-based decision-making (also known as shared clinical decision making).
- Individuals 6 months to 64 years: Vaccination based on individual-based decision making with an emphasis that the risk-benefit of vaccination is highest for those at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 and lowest for those who are not at increased risk (according to the CDC list of COVD-19 risk factors).
The committee also recommended additional measures to support informed consent: that CDC add language accessible to patients and medical providers to describe risk factors and uncertainties related to the vaccine, and that authorized healthcare providers discuss those risks and benefits with individual patients.
Next steps: ACIP advises CDC, but CDC must still issue its final recommendations. We expect that to happen in the coming days. At the same time, some states are issuing recommendations separate from the federal government, so providers need to check with their state public health agency. Note: ACIP recommendations do not restrict the use of the vaccine if a state has recommendations that expand upon ACIP’s recommendations adopted by CDC.
AHCA/NCAL will continue to keep members updated and monitor for any new guidance specific to long term care facilities and healthcare workers.
Currently, CMS requires nursing homes to offer each resident and staff member the COVID-19 vaccine (once available) unless the immunization is medically contraindicated, or the resident or staff member has already been immunized. Before offering the COVID-19 vaccine, all staff members, residents, or their representatives must be provided with education regarding the benefits, risks, and potential side effects associated with the vaccine, which can be accomplished by using the
CDC VIS (which is likely to be updated given the new recommendations).
As a reminder, here are additional CDC endorsed vaccine recommendations for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season:
Influenza
CDC released the 2025-2026 influenza vaccine recommendation in early
September. Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended
for all persons aged ≥6 months without a contraindication to vaccination to protect against influenza and its complications.
RSV
Recommendations for the
RSV vaccine are unchanged at this time. A single dose of the RSV vaccine is recommended for
adults over age of 75 and those age 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease.
Visit AHCA’s
#GetVaccinated webpage for more information about the respiratory virus vaccines. This site will continue to be updated as new guidance and resources are released.