| CDC Issues Interim Guidance for the 2026-2027 Flu Season | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CDC-Issues-Interim-Guidance-for-the-2026–2027-Flu-Season-.aspx | CDC Issues Interim Guidance for the 2026-2027 Flu Season | | | | | 9/8/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) has released</span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/hcp/vax-summary/seasonal-influenza-vaccines.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;"> interim clinical considerations for seasonal influenza vaccination</a><span style="font-size:11pt;"> in the United States. The guidance confirms that recommendations from the July 2025 immunization schedule remain in effect for the 2026–2027 flu season. </span></p><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Key points include: </span></div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Routine annual flu vaccination remains recommended. <br><br></li><li>For most people, vaccination should ideally occur in September or October, although vaccination should continue throughout the season while influenza viruses are circulating. <br><br></li><li>Adults ages 65 and older should preferentially receive a high-dose, recombinant or adjuvanted vaccine when available. <br><br></li><li>People with an egg allergy may receive any age-appropriate flu vaccine. <br><br></li><li>Vaccination remains especially important for people at higher risk of serious influenza complications and those who live with or care for them, such as healthcare personnel. </li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>Members and healthcare professionals are encouraged to review the complete <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/hcp/vax-summary/seasonal-influenza-vaccines.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">CDC interim clinical considerations</a> to prepare for the upcoming influenza season. </div><div><br></div><div>Questions may be sent to <a href="mailto:regulatory@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">regulatory@ahca.org. </a><br></div><p></p> | The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control has released interim clinical considerations for seasonal influenza vaccination in the United States. | |
| AHCA/NCAL Launches 2026-2027 #GetVaccinated Campaign With New Innovation Challenge | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCA-NCAL-Launches-2026-2027-GetVaccinated-Campaign.aspx | AHCA/NCAL Launches 2026-2027 #GetVaccinated Campaign With New Innovation Challenge | | | | | 9/2/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C. —</strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL)</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">today launched its 2026-2027 </span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">#GetVaccinated campaign</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">, offering resources to help long term and post-acute care providers prepare for respiratory virus season and encourage residents and staff to stay current with </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">thei</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">r influ</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">enz</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">a, COV</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ID-19, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">r</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">espiratory syncytial virus</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> (</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">RS</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">V)</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">vaccinations.</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">As part of this year’s campaign, AHCA/NCAL is </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">introducing</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">a</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">n</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">Innovation</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">Challenge</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">a #GetVaccinated </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">competition </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">that </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">invites</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">memb</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">er </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">providers </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">to </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">develop creative vaccination campaigns </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">durin</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">g</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season. </span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><div><br><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"></span><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">The #GetVaccinated Innovation Challenge </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">will</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> ask </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">p</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">articipants </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">to </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">share the</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ir</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> strategies and materials used to educate and engage residents, families, staff, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">and their communities, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">as well as the outcomes of their efforts.</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">Submissions will be accepted through February 1, 2027, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">then</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> a p</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">anel of judg</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">es</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">made</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> up of</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> clin</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ical </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">quality </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ex</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">perts</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> w</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ill sel</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ect </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">the most innovative campaign. The winning organization will </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">r</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">eceive</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> a </span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">$10,000 grand prize</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">and</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">also</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> be invited to present its campaign at the </span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">2027 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">, giving providers across the country an opportunity to learn from </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">their </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">approach.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"><br></span></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">“Long term care providers </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">are doing ground-breaking </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">work every day to protect the health and well-being of the residents entrusted to their care, and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">that deserves to be recognized</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">,” <strong>said </strong></span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Strong"><strong>Clif Porter, </strong></span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Strong"><strong>p</strong></span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Strong"><strong>resident and CEO of AHCA/NCAL</strong></span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"><strong>.</strong> “Through #GetVaccinated, we’re giving providers practical tools to support their</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> vaccination</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> efforts while also creating an opportunity to celebrate the innovative ways our members are </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">supporting</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> vacc</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ination u</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">pt</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ake</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">.”</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"><br></span></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">Each fall and winter, respiratory viruses bring increased risk to those living in long term care communities, making strong infection prevention practices and vaccination among residents and staff especially important. AHCA/NCAL’s</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> campaign website, </span></span><a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">GetVaccinated.us</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">, serves as a one-stop shop for tools and information to help providers promote vaccination and prepare for cold and flu season. Resources include best practices and guidance</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">,</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> information on </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">require</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">d</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">documentation and regulations</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">,</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> billing guid</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ance, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">vaccine e</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ducational </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">materials</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">,</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> and a </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">communications</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> toolkit.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"><br></span></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">“</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">Vaccines remain one of our most effective tools for reducing severe illness, hospitalization, and complications from respiratory infections</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">,</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">” </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"><strong>said </strong></span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Dr. Elizabeth Burns, AHCA/NCAL’s chief medical officer</strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"><strong>.</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">“</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">However</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">,</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">v</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">accine he</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">sitancy </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">continues to be a significant challenge across the country, and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">long term</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> care is not immune to it</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">.</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">There is no single solution, but our providers are uniquely positioned to learn from one another in finding practical and creative ways to build trust and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">boost </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">vaccine uptake</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">. I</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> encourage</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">all</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> our membe</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">rs </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">to </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">take note</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> of</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> the</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ir vaccinat</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ion effort</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">s this seas</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">on</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">and share</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">their ex</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">perience t</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">hrough the Inn</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ovatio</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">n Challe</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">nge</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"> competit</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">ion.” </span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"><br></span></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">V</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">isit </span></span><a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">GetVaccinated.us</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> to access the latest resources and learn more about the #GetVaccinated Innovation Challenge, including eligibility, submission requirements, judging criteria, and deadlines.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend"><br></span></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">The #GetVaccinated campaign is made possible through support from Moderna</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="isselectedend">.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div></div> | Today, we launched its 2026-2027 #GetVaccinated campaign, offering resources to help long term and post-acute care providers prepare for respiratory virus season. | #GetVaccinated competition to recognize long term care’s innovative efforts in educating residents and staff about respiratory virus vaccines |
| CMS Updates Guidance for Vaccine Coding on SNF Claims | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CMS-Updates-Guidance-for-Vaccine-Coding-on-SNF-Claims.aspx | CMS Updates Guidance for Vaccine Coding on SNF Claims | | | | | 4/27/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided <a href="https://www.cms.gov/training-education/medicare-learning-network/newsletter/mln-connects-newsletter-april-23-2026#_Toc227750283" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">updated guidance</a> for institutional providers for coding claims for vaccine administration when the vaccination is the only service billed on the claim. </div><div><br></div><div>The effective date is for claims with a date of service beginning April 13, 2026. </div><div><br></div><div>Below is the modified CMS guidance. The new coding requirements are in the bold and italicized text: </div><div><br></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border-width:medium;border-style:none;border-color:currentcolor;padding:0px;"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;">The following diagnosis code must be reported. If the sole purpose for the visit is to receive a vaccine or if a vaccine is the only service billed on a claim, the applicable following diagnosis code may be used. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;">ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code = Z23 -- Description - Encounter for Immunization </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;">NOTE: ICD-10-CM diagnosis code Z23 is to be used for all encounters for preventive vaccine immunizations, including COVID-19 immunizations. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><strong><em>The following condition code must be reported on institutional claims when diagnosis code Z23 is required for a vaccination. </em></strong></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><strong><em>Condition Code = A6 -- Description - Vaccine / Medicare 100% Payment </em></strong></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;">All claims must have the appropriate diagnosis code, procedure, and admin code to process correctly. </div></blockquote><div><br></div><div>See the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/r13677cp.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">instruction to your Medicare Administrative Contractor (PDF)</a>. </div><div><br></div><div>Additional vaccine billing guidance can be found at the AHCA/NCAL <a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">#GetVaccinated</a> resources page.<br></div><p><br><br></p> | CMS has provided updated guidance for institutional providers for coding claims for vaccine administration when the vaccination is the only service billed on the claim.
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