Guidance Regarding Second Booster Doses & Routine Staff Testing
NYSHFA|NYSCAL is continuing to work closely with the NYS Department of Health and American Health Care Association to obtain clarity regarding second booster doses and routine staff testing.
Facilities need to follow the guidance regarding testing in QSO 20-38. See page 6 regarding routine testing and who are up-to-date and are not up-to-date. Please remember, facilities should use their community transmission level (*drop down box entitled ‘data type’ must be changed to ‘community transmission’) as the trigger for routine staff testing frequency. The Advisory is for multiple programs and has different information that must be followed. For example, all facilities must have a testing policy in place. NYSDOH is following CMS and CDC guidelines and provides links for providers to review.
The CMS definition of Up-To-Date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible. You can find this on QSO 20-39. See page 3.
If you have staff less than 50 years old, they may not qualify for the 2nd booster yet. This CDC link has a lot of pertinent vaccine information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#recommendations
Per CDC, In summary:
You are also considered up to date if:
- You have completed your primary series – but are not yet eligible for a booster
- You have received 1 booster but are not recommended to get a 2nd booster
- You have received 1 booster but are not yet eligible for a 2nd booster
NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:
Tarrah Quinlan, RN, BSN
Director of Education Program Development and Member Operations
518-462-4800 x20
Lisa Volk, RN, B.P.S., LNHA
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15
