The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) announced it is taking steps to make it easier for long term care (LTC) facilities to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to staff and residents. The CDC is now allowing LTC pharmacies to transfer COVID-19 vaccine/boosters to LTC facilities in single dose vials to directly vaccinate residents and staff by waiving some of the reporting requirements LTC pharmacies had to follow. This move comes after strong advocacy by AHCA/NCAL.
Previously, some LTC facilities were limited in their ability to access the COVID-19 vaccine directly due to federal reporting requirements imposed on LTC pharmacies. Now, LTC facilities can become sub-providers in the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program and provide single dose vaccine to residents without the vaccine reporting requirements except in certain states with laws and regulations that require reporting to their state IIS system. Important notes on this agreement include:
- This does NOT eliminate the required weekly aggregate reporting of vaccine information through NHSN.
- If you have a federal vaccine provider agreement in place, this is not necessary.
- You will need to talk to your LTC pharmacy about reporting requirements in your state.
AHCA/NCAL strongly encourages members to consider engaging in this option. Quick and easy access to single dose vials of the COVID-19 vaccine or booster will help encourage uptake among residents and staff alike.