Category: COVID-19

Newly Approved COVID-19 Vaccines: What Long Term Care Providers Need to Know

In recent weeks, the country has experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases, marking the largest wave since January. This trend has been mirrored in long term care facilities, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing a consistent increase in new COVID-19 cases between May and August 2024. Experts indicate that this rise in CO​VID-19 cases is due to the emergence of new variants and waning protection from prior vaccines after six months.

The latest variant, known as FLirT, includes the KP.3, KP.3.1.1, and KP.2 strains. Data from the CDC indicates that the KP.3.1.1 variant accounts for nearly 37% of cases, KP.3 follows with 17%, and KP.2.3 represents 14.4% of cases.Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines have been designed to target the KP.2 strain,​ providing protection against the currently circulating variants. While the vaccine may not have a significant impact on the current summer wave, it will be crucial as we head into the fall and winter months. It’s important to note that although the vaccine may not prevent infection entirely, it significantly reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, particularly among older adults and those with chronic conditions.

Long term care residents are especially vulnerable to respiratory viruses due to their age and underlying health conditions. Prioritizing LTC residents for fall respiratory vaccines—including flu, RSV, and COVID-19—will help protect them from severe illness or hospitalization due to these viruses.

The new COVID-19 vaccine is currently available for distribution through retail pharmacies, long term care pharmacies, and other suppliers. LTC providers should contact their LTC pharmacies to order the vaccine and schedule clinics.

For more information, providers can refer to our recent blog post focused on preparing for respiratory virus season.

Visit GetVaccinated.us for resources to help prepare for the upcoming respiratory virus season.

Navigate the Ongoing Challenges of COVID-19 with #GetVaccinated Resources

A common misperception that exists is that COVID-19 is no longer a serious virus, and some may even believe that it’s less serious than influenza. While the rates of serious illness, hospitalizations, and death from COVID-19 are significantly lower than during the height of the pandemic in early 2020 and 2021, recent data indicates that COVID-19 remains more serious than influenza.

#GETVACCINATED RESOURCES
Now more than ever, we need all members to build a resilient defense against the ongoing threat of respiratory viruses, especially COVID-19.

Download and share the latest information to encourage vaccinations in AHCA/NCAL’s #GetVaccinated toolkit at getvaccinated.us/.

FEATURED 

  • Reimbursement Guide: Frequently asked questions on vaccine payment options.
  • Template Letters: Tailored for the organization’s Medical Director to residents and staff.
  • Talking Points: To assist with vaccination conversations.

Explore other resources at getvaccinated.us/.

New Resources Available to Enhance Vaccination Efforts in Long Term Care

AHCA/NCAL is happy to introduce new resources available on the #GetVaccinated we​bsite, including the latest “Frequently Asked Questions,” “Vaccine Co-Administration in Long Term Care,” and “Offering and Documenting Vaccines in Long Term Care.”

In the ever-evolving landscape of long term care, staying informed and equipped with the latest resources is paramount for providers.

https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-Resources-Available-to-Enhance-Vaccination-Efforts-in-Long-Term-Care-.aspx

CMS Announces Ending of COVID Staff Vaccine Requirement, Other Protocols

Today, t​he Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a new regulatory memo QSO-23-13-ALL​ entitled “Guidance for Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023.” The memo outlines each waiver CMS put into place during COVID-19 and how the end of the PHE will affect those waivers. Additionally, the memo outlined timelines for certain regulatory requirements issued through the PHE. This memo applies to Long Term Care (LTC), Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF), and other provider types.
Find out more at https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CMS-Announces-Ending-of-COVID-Staff-Vaccine-Requirement,-Other-Protocols.aspx

Public Health Emergency Ending May 11 – What You Need to Know

Yesterday, the Biden Administration announced its plans to end the Public Health Emergency (PHE). This administration guidance meets the Administration’s promise of 60 days’ notice of the end of the PHE. Based on the guidance, the PHE will end on May 11, 2023.

Read more by going to https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Public-Health-Emergency-Ending-May-11.aspx

CDC Provides New Initiative to Increase COVID-19 Vaccination in LTC Settings

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​​With increasing cases of respiratory disease, including COVID-19, this winter, it is imperative to encourage residents, staff, and family members to receive the updated (bivalent) COVID-19 boosters.

A recent CDC report​ showed:
  • Adults ages 65 years and older:
    • ​Continue to have the highest COVID-19-related mortality rates.
    • The COVID-19-related death rate among unvaccinated people who are 65 years and older has consistently been higher than the rate among vaccinated people.
  • Adults ages 85 years and older:
    • ​Remain at particularly high risk of dying of COVID-19.
    • The proportion of COVID-19–related deaths accounted for by adults in this age group increasing during April–September 2022 from 28% to around 40% of COVID-19–related deaths. ​

Find out more by going to https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CDC-Provides-New-Initiative-to-Increase-COVID-19-Vaccination-in-LTC-Settings.aspx

NSHN Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for LTC Facilities

The CDC held a webinar recently regarding up to date vaccination status. The definition of up to date was updated in September 2022 to indicate:
  • Individuals are considered up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines during the surveillance period of September 26, 2022 – December 25, 2022 (Quarter 4) for the purpose of NHSN surveillance if they meet ONE the following criteria: ​
    • Received their last booster dose less than 2 months ago, or
    • Completed their primary series less than 2 months ago
  • This definition is the same regardless of immunocompromised status

See the full article at https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/NSHN-Up-to-Date-Vaccination-Status-Surveillance-Definition-Change-for-LTC-Facilities.aspx

CDC Program Expands Free COVID-19 Testing to Assisted Living, SNFs, and ICFs

Skilled Nursing Facilities, intermediate care facilities (ICFs) and assisted living centers can access free COVID-19 testing for staff and residents through December 31, 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Operation Expanded Testing (OpET) program expanded access to free testing nationwide to now include skilled nursing facilities, ICFs and assisted living communities, which previously targeted schools, shelters, and correctional facilities.​

Read more at https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CDC-Program-Expands-Free-COVID-19-Testing-to-Assisted-Living-SNFs-and-ICFs.aspx

Infection Prevention & Control in the Long-Term Care Setting: Cleaning and Disinfection

Brought to you by NETEC (National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center) this free resource will provide all staff in long-term care settings the information to help them understand and perform the steps required to clean and disinfect properly.

Visit the NETEC RESOURCE LIBRARY for more on this and other important information. https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1699