The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently
updated 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:
- For adults ages 65 and older: COVID-19 vaccination is recommended based on individual-based decision-making (also known as shared clinical decision making).
- Individuals 6 months to 64 years: 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 CDC list of COVD-19 risk factors).
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).
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.
With the final recommendations released, AHCA/NCAL is continuing to update its
#GetVaccinated webpage 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.