On October 23, 2025, the DPH released an updated memorandum on COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination. The updated guidance aligns with current vaccination requirements and authorizes licensed long-term care facilities (LTCFs) to possess, store, and administer COVID-19 and influenza vaccines without patient-specific prescriptions under a Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR). The DPH’s Drug Control Program will automatically issue these MCSRs to LTCFs in good standing, as well as limited-purpose distributor MCSRs to pharmacies contracted with LTCFs, allowing them to supply vaccines directly to facilities. LTCFs must comply with all storage, security, and reporting regulations and administer vaccines under valid practitioner orders. Both LTCF and pharmacy MCSRs are limited strictly to COVID-19 and influenza vaccines and do not extend to any other non-patient specific controlled substances that are not part of the Emergency Kit.