DAL #21-28 Ongoing Vaccination Program for ACFs

The New York State Department of Health has issued a Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) #21-28 regarding the Ongoing Vaccination Program.

On September 24, 2021, under the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, the CDC issued recommendations for a single booster dose for individuals 65 years of age or older, as well as long-term care facility residents; individuals age 50-64 with underlying medical conditions; individuals age 18-49 with underlying medical conditions, based on individual benefit and risk; and individuals age 18-64 who are at an increased risk for COVID-19 exposure or transmission because of occupational or institutional setting.

The objective of the Dear Administrator Letter is to ensure every ACF licensed by NYS DOH has a clinical or pharmacy partner or the clinical capabilities to provide vaccinations and booster shots to residents and staff on an ongoing basis as new residents/staff are admitted/hired or express willingness to be vaccinated.

The Dear Administrator Letter is attached for your review.