AHCA/NCAL – Handout – Why Residents Should Get the Bivalent Booster
AHCA/NCAL has developed a new #GetVaccinated handout to help long term care staff discuss the value of the bivalent booster with their residents. This was designed in response to members saying that residents or their family members are hesitant to get the bivalent booster. We heard your request to address common concerns and provide the latest data on the effectiveness of the bivalent booster.
The handout discusses how the bivalent booster helps reduce the risk of developing serious symptoms or hospitalizations from COVID. It also speaks to those with prior COVID infections as well as those who already had one or more original boosters about the need to still get the bivalent booster.
COVID cases are increasing nationally as the winter months and the holiday season are upon us. While the booster may not prevent infections, we know that it can help residents from becoming very sick or being hospitalized. We encourage you to use this handout to discuss the value of getting the bivalent booster this winter with all your unboosted residents and/or their families or resident representative.
Find the handout on the LTC Provider Resources page on our #GetVaccinated website, or download it directly now. It can be printed as one page (front and back).
Learn more about how you can help reduce the impact of COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections this winter.
Additional Updates
Influenza Vaccination Data Reporting: The CDC has provided additional guidance and clarification regarding the December 2022 NHSN Influenza Vaccination Data Reporting through NHSN. Read More
Reminder of NHSN Reporting on Up To Date COVID-19 Vaccination: Reporting current COVID-19 vaccination status to NHSN is important. For NHSN reporting during the September 26, 2022 to December 25, 2022 period, individuals are considered up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines if they received an UPDATED (bivalent) booster dose; OR less than two months ago received either their last booster dose or completed their primary series. Read More
White House Releases Winter Playbook for LTC: The Biden Administration recently announced a COVID-19 Winter Preparedness plan, which involves several strategies to expand access to testing, vaccines, and treatments. Read More
CDC Expands COVID-19 Provider Vaccine Agreements to LTC Facilities: The CDC is now allowing LTC pharmacies to transfer COVID-19 vaccine/boosters to LTC facilities in single dose vials to directly vaccinate residents and staff by waiving some of the reporting requirements LTC pharmacies had to follow. This move comes after strong advocacy by AHCA/NCAL. Read More
Upcoming Webinar
National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call
CMS and the CDC are hosting a call on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 3 PM Eastern. Long term care providers, facility staff, and resident advocates are encouraged to attend. This event is open to the public and registration is required. Register Here
Please email COVID19@ahca.org for additional questions, or visit ahcancal.org/coronavirus for more information.
NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:
Lisa Volk, RN, B.P.S., LNHA
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15
Tarrah Quinlan, RN, BSN
Director of Education Program Development and Member Operations
518-462-4800 x20
