Fall 2023 Vaccinations (SNF/AL)
As we begin to prepare for the coming cold and flu season, along with ongoing COVID cases, members are taking steps to ensure the health and safety of their residents and staff. An updated COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for use alongside influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccinations.
Updated COVID Vaccines: On September 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2023-2024 manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc. These new vaccines are formulated to target current, more closely circulating variants and to provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.
On September 12, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met to provide review the evidence and provide recommendations regarding use of these approved vaccines. The CDC recommends that if you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, you should get the newly updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Toolkit: The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) released a 2023 #GetVaccinated Toolkit that includes a comprehensive set of resources designed to equip members with the information needed to be prepared for the upcoming vaccination season.
The 2023 #GetVaccinated Toolkit includes:
- A checklist for providers with suggested best practices in order to prepare for fall vaccination season;
- Poster graphics to raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated;
- Pre-crafted social media posts and graphics;
- Template letters to residents and family members; and
- In-depth resources for providers about recommended vaccines for residents and staff, documenting vaccines, frequently asked questions, and more.
Additional CDC resources are available to help inform providers on the most up-to-date recommendations. Visit CDC’s vaccines website and the Partnering for Vaccine Equity Resource Hub for more information. You can also stay up to date on the latest vaccine recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on CDC’s ACIP website.
MDHHS also issued guidance and resources to assist Michigan’s long term care providers in understanding the updated COVID-19 vaccination:
- Bivalent mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccines are NO LONGER authorized for use in the United States, per the FDA press release.
- At this time, MCIR does not reflect assessment and forecasting for the updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccines, once CDC clinical guidance is shared, MCIR will be programmed to reflect the updated monovalent vaccine.
BIVALENT COVID-19 VACCINE INVENTORY AND DISPOSAL MANAGEMENT
- The U.S. government will end distribution of COVID-19 vaccines through the current ordering system as of September 12, 2023. Because the Bivalent mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccines are NO LONGER authorized for use in the United States, they should no longer be administered. Providers should maintain their inventories until further guidance is provided.
- Any vial of vaccine that exceeds the shelf-life indicated by the manufacturer should be disposed in accordance with local regulations and processes currently being used to dispose of regulated medical waste.
- If you have questions regarding inventory or disposal management, please reach out to [email protected].