On September 11, the FDA approved for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2023-2024 manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc. These new vaccines are formulated to target current, more closely circulating variants and to provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.
On September 12, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met to provide review the evidence and provide recommendations regarding use of these approved vaccines. The CDC recommends that if you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, to get the newly updated COVID-19 vaccine.
The newly approved COVID-19 vaccine has several important implications for long term care providers, as follows:
Facilitate Vaccinations for Residents and Staff
Long term care residents are at the greatest risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Providers must prioritize resident and staff vaccination for COVID-19, as well as flu and RSV.
In accordance with CDC's General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization, routine administration of all age-appropriate doses of vaccines simultaneously is recommended if there are no contraindications at the time of the healthcare visit
Change to NHSN “Up to Date" Definition
The NHSN surveillance definition of “up-to-date" will change with the release of this new vaccine. This will impact NHSN reporting and publicly reported vaccination rates. As of 9/25, most residents will not be up to date. NHSN is hosting four upcoming trainings to discuss these changes. Providers should register for one of the training dates offered.
SNF QRP Reporting
As a reminder, skilled nursing facilities are also required to report their weekly Healthcare Personnel COVID-19 Vaccination Summary data as part of the SNF QRP Reporting program.