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Stay Up to Date on CDC Recommendations and CMS Requirements

As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise throughout the country, it's important that long term care facilities and communities encourage staff and residents to stay up to date on their vaccination status. The CDC defines up to date as having received all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended, when eligible. Most recently, people over 50 are recommended to receive a second booster of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after their first booster.
 
For skilled nursing facilities, staying current on COVID-19 vaccines is also important since various guidance from CMS hinges on resident or staff up to date status. This includes:
  • Nursing Home Visitation Guidance (QSO-20-39-NH): Guidance and recommendations, such as the usage of source control masks and outdoor visitation, differs for those who are up to date on their vaccines.
  • Nursing Home Testing Guidance (QSO-20-38-NH): Routine testing of staff is only required for those who are NOT up to date on their vaccines. 
  • Nursing Home COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Residents and Staff (QSO-21-19): In situations where the COVID-19 vaccine requires multiple doses, nursing facilities must offer and provide current information regarding those additional doses. 
In addition, the CDC infection control recommendations for long term care facilities and guidance on managing health care personnel with infection or exposure also incorporate up to date status. 

Staff Contact: dwatford@mehca.org

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