| New #GetVaccinated Resources: Understanding mRNA Vaccines | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-GetVaccinated-Resources-Understanding-mRNA-Vaccines.aspx | New #GetVaccinated Resources: Understanding mRNA Vaccines | | | | | 11/11/2025 5:00:00 AM | | <div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has released two new resources to help long term care staff better understand mRNA vaccines and confidently address questions about them. These materials support the #GetVaccinated campaign for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season.<br></div><div> </div><a href="/Quality/Documents/GetVaccinated/How%20do%20mRNA%20Vaccines%20Work.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:underline;"><div><strong>How Do mRNA Vaccines Work</strong></div></a><div>This resource explains—in simple, easy-to-understand terms—how mRNA vaccines help the body build immunity. It includes a clear analogy to make the science relatable, along with a helpful FAQ section that dispels many common misconceptions.</div><div> <br></div><div style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="/Quality/Documents/GetVaccinated/mRNA%20vaccines%20and%20you.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>mRNA Vaccines and You</strong></a></div><div>This guide outlines what mRNA vaccines are, their typical and rare side effects, and how vaccination protects both staff and residents from severe illness and hospitalization. A “Myths vs. Facts” section tackles misinformation directly to help individuals make informed decisions.</div><div> </div><div>We encourage providers to download and share these materials with your teams as part of ongoing vaccination discussions and education efforts.</div><div> </div><div>The #GetVaccinated campaign, supported by Moderna, equips long term care providers with trusted, easy-to-use tools to protect their communities year-round.</div><div><br></div><div>Visit <a href="https://getvaccinated.us/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>GetVaccinated.us</strong></a> to explore these resources and strengthen your vaccination efforts today.<br></div><p></p> | AHCA/NCAL has released two new resources to help long term care staff better understand mRNA vaccines and confidently address questions about them. | |
| AHCA/NCAL Releases New #GetVaccinated Resources for Long Term Care Providers | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/AHCANCAL-Releases-New-GetVaccinated-Resources-for-Long-Term-Care-Providers.aspx | AHCA/NCAL Releases New #GetVaccinated Resources for Long Term Care Providers | | | | | 10/10/2025 4:00:00 AM | | <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">As the winter months approach, respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) become more widespread. This time of year, it is more critical than ever to recognize the risks these viruses pose, especially to long term care residents, and take proactive steps to prevent illness, address health concerns and educate others about the benefits of immunization. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">In partnership with Moderna, AHCA/NCAL has launched its 2025-2026 #GetVaccinated campaign, which offers new and updated resources for long term care providers to learn about the latest vaccination recommendations, answer frequently asked questions, and encourage residents and caregivers to stay current with their immunizations. The campaign’s website, </span><a href="https://getvaccinated.us/" 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="none" lang="EN-US">, is a one-stop shop for tools and information to promote vaccinations at your facilities and encourage residents to stay healthy this cold and flu season. Resources include: </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><ul role="list"><li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Best practices and guidance to ensure long term care providers are prepared for vaccination season, record the proper vaccination documentation, and understand vaccine regulations for long term care facilities; </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Billing guides that outline the proper reimbursement process for administering vaccines; </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Frequently asked questions to answer common questions and concerns about the viruses and vaccines; </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">A promotional toolkit for providers, including posters, social media content and talking points; </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">And more!</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">We encourage providers to visit </span><a href="https://getvaccinated.us/" 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="none" lang="EN-US"> and take advantage of the available most up-to-date resources. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><em>Note: AHCA/NCAL does not endorse a specific vaccine or vaccine maker unless there is demonstrable evidence that it is more effective at protecting residents and staff members. </em> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div> | | |
| CDC Adopts Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CDC-Adopts-Updated-COVID-19-Vaccination-Schedule-.aspx | CDC Adopts Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule | | | | | 10/7/2025 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/cdc-immunization-schedule-adopts-individual-based-decision.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083">updated</a> its adult and child immunization schedules for the COVID-19 vaccine to align with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recent recommendations, which include the following: </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li><strong>For adults ages 65 and older: </strong>COVID-19 vaccination is recommended based on individual-based decision-making (also known as <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/acip/vaccine-recommendations/shared-clinical-decision-making.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">shared clinical decision making</a>). <br><br></li><li><strong>Individuals 6 months to 64 years:</strong> COVID-19 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<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"> CDC list of COVD-19 risk factors</a>). </li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>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 <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/covid-19.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">CDC VIS</a> (which is likely to be updated given the new recommendations). </div><div><br></div><div>Giving the timing, providers should be ordering the vaccine and/or planning their clinics. Providers should talk to their residents about the risks and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine and those who may benefit due to their individual risks. </div><div><br></div><div>With the final recommendations released, AHCA/NCAL is continuing to update its <a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">#GetVaccinated webpage</a> with resources for long term care providers for the respiratory virus season. As CDC and CMS materials and guidance are updated, AHCA/NCAL will share these developments with members. <br></div><p></p> | The CDC recently updated its adult and child immunization schedules for the COVID-19 vaccine to align with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recent recommendations | |
| A Recap of the ACIP Vaccine Recommendations | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/A-Recap-of-the-ACIP-Vaccine-Recommendations-.aspx | A Recap of the ACIP Vaccine Recommendations | | | | | 9/19/2025 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">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: </span></p><div><br></div><div><ul><li><strong>For adults ages 65 and older:</strong> Vaccination is recommended based on individual-based decision-making (also known as shared clinical decision making). <br></li><li><strong>Individuals 6 months to 64 years:</strong> 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 <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">CDC list of COVD-19 risk factors</a>). <br></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Next steps:</strong> 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. </div><div><br></div><div>AHCA/NCAL will continue to keep members updated and monitor for any new guidance specific to long term care facilities and healthcare workers. </div><div><br></div><div>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 <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/covid-19.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">CDC VIS</a> (which is likely to be updated given the new recommendations). </div><div><br></div><div>As a reminder, here are additional CDC endorsed vaccine recommendations for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season: </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Influenza</strong> <br></div><div><br></div><div>CDC released the 2025-2026 influenza vaccine recommendation in early <a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CDC-Publishes-2025-2026-US-Flu-Vaccination-Recommendations.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">September</a>. Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended <strong>for all persons aged ≥6 months</strong> without a contraindication to vaccination to protect against influenza and its complications. </div><div><br></div><div>Full details, including updates from the 2024-2025 season, timing and selection of vaccine are outlined in the CDC’s MMWR report and in the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/media/pdfs/2025-2026-summary-of-recommendations.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) summary of recommendations.</a> </div><div><br></div><div><strong>RSV </strong></div><div><br></div><div>Recommendations for the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/adults.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">RSV vaccine</a> are unchanged at this time. A single dose of the RSV vaccine is recommended for <strong>adults over age of 75 and those age 50 to 74 who are at increased risk</strong> of severe RSV disease. </div><div><br></div><div>Visit AHCA’s <a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">#GetVaccinated</a> webpage for more information about the respiratory virus vaccines. This site will continue to be updated as new guidance and resources are released. <br></div><p></p> | The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently held its quarterly meeting on September 18th and 19th. | |