The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated what it means to be “up to date” on COVID-19 vaccinations for both residents and health care staff. This change was first expected to apply only for the first quarter of 2026, but the CDC has now confirmed it will continue for the time being. An updated guidance document is expected to be posted on the NHSN website in April.
At present, individuals are considered Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines, for the purpose of NHSN surveillance, if they meet the following criteria:
- Individuals aged 65 years and older are Up to Date when they have:
- Received 2 doses of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, or
- Received 1 dose of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine within the past 6 months.
- Individuals younger than 65 years of age are Up to Date when they have received 1 dose of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine.