News

CDC Updates mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Guidelines

On April 27, 2023 by Kari Everson

On April 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updated guidance for mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Going forward, bivalent vaccines will be administered for all immunization doses, and the monovalent (original) vaccine is no longer available. This updated guidance does not include Novovax or Johnson and Johnson Janssen. These continue to be monovalent vaccines, and the schedule remains the same.

CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Changes

On April 20, 2023 by Kari Everson

On April 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released simplified vaccine recommendations. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met yesterday to discuss updated COVID-19 vaccine changes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended emergency use authorizations (EUA) for Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech products earlier this week.

PHE Ending – What it means for Nursing Homes

On February 23, 2023 by Mark Schulz

Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) held its routine National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call. During this call, CMS staff reiterated several vital facts about the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE).

VRBPAC to Review Covid Vaccine Proposals This Week

On January 26, 2023 by Kari Everson

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tasked its Vaccine and other Related Biologicals Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) to review proposals related to COVID-19 vaccines. Items scheduled for review include changing the primary vaccine doses to the bivalent vaccine and whether the composition and schedule for booster doses should be adjusted.

FDA Approves the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine; To be Marketed as Spikevax

On February 3, 2022 by Kari Everson

On Jan. 31, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a second COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine; the approved vaccine will be marketed as Spikevax to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older.

US Supreme Court Upholds CMS Vaccine Mandate, Strikes Down OSHA Vaccine-or-Test Rule

On January 13, 2022 by Jonathan Lips

Nursing homes subject to CMS Rule; Mandate does not apply to assisted living or other HCBS settings

Last Friday, the US Supreme Court heard lengthy oral arguments concerning challenges to the CMS Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination rule and OSHA Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). Both of these cases were before the court on emergency petitions to determine whether injunctions should be in place, pending trials on the merits of challenges to the respective rules.

Update on Status and Implementation of CMS and OSHA Vaccine Mandates

On December 23, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

Our team is keeping a close watch for news about the CMS staff vaccination mandate and the OSHA vaccine-or-test emergency temporary standard. Here is the latest information about the status and enforcement of these two requirements.

Court Green Lights CMS Vaccination Mandate in 26 States, Next Steps Unclear

On December 16, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

Following an order yesterday by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the CMS staff vaccination mandate is no longer subject to an injunction in Minnesota and 25 other states. CMS has not yet issued a statement in response to this development.

ICYMI: Nationwide Injunction on CMS Mandate

On December 2, 2021 by Kari Thurlow

On Tuesday of this week, a federal judge in Louisiana has granted a nationwide preliminary injunction against the COVID-19 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) vaccine mandate following a lawsuit filed by Montana and 13 other states.

Updates on CMS and OSHA Vaccine Mandates

On November 18, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

As providers continue preparing to implement staff vaccination mandates, here are the latest available situational updates:

CMS Omnibus COVID–19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Rule

CMS has clarified that the Phase 1 implementation deadline is Dec. 6, not Dec. 5.

OSHA Issues Vaccination & Testing ETS

On November 4, 2021 by Kari Everson

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) completed work on the Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) and published information about the ETS this morning. 

CMS Issues Omnibus COVID-19 Vaccination Rule

On November 4, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today released the long-awaited rule requiring COVID-19 vaccination of staff working in a wide-range of Medicare and Medicaid-certified provider types.

New! Vaccine Mandate Webinar is Friday, Aug. 13

On August 11, 2021 by Heidi Simpson

With the Delta variant causing another increase in COVID-19 cases, many employers – including care centers, assisted living, and other long-term care settings – are considering vaccine mandates for employees. Join us for a webinar from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13 to discuss legal considerations related to developing and implementing staff vaccine mandates.

Governor Walz visits Jones-Harrison to Highlight Vaccine Successes

On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran

Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Commissioner Jan Malcolm visited Jones-Harrison to highlight Minnesota’s successful vaccination effort in long-term care settings on the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 9.

MAGIC Launches Resource to Address Vaccine Hesitancy

On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran

This week, the Minnesota Association for Geriatrics Inspired Clinicians (MAGIC) launched a new video resource to help providers address vaccine hesitancy in long-term care settings.

Minnesota Faring Well at Vaccinating Residents and Staff for COVID-19

On February 3, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released a report on COVID-19 vaccination rates under the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program (PPP) using data submitted to the CDC from the pharmacies enrolled in that program. The report shows rates of vaccination for both residents and staff in care centers in Minnesota that exceed the national averages.

Providers Encouraged to Complete Weekly Vaccination Survey

On January 13, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is urging long-term care settings, both nursing homes and assisted living providers, to complete a short weekly survey that will help the State track progress towards vaccinating residents and staff for COVID-19. 

Get Vaccinated - Be a Safe Care Hero

On December 23, 2020 by Julie Apold

Strategies to Boost Vaccination Rates

As the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming a reality, it is important to continue to address barriers that may cause staff or residents to be hesitant about getting the vaccine.  The CDC outlines steps that may increase confidence in the vaccine and boost vaccination rates in your organization. 

Vaccine Update: Deadline Extended for COVID-19 Vaccine Partnership

On October 28, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

Senior living and other long-term care providers now have until Nov. 6 to sign up for the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program.

Influenza & Vaccinations in the Land of COVID-19

On September 30, 2020 by Kari Everson

Fall signals many wonderful traditions and memories such as pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, crackling fires, spectacular views of changing leaves . . . and influenza vaccines!