CDC Changes Definition of Up To Date (SNF/AL)

Updated COVID-19 vaccinations, which are formulated to target currently circulating variants and provide better protection against serious COVID-19 consequences including hospitalization and death have recently been approved for use. This approval triggers a change in the National Health and Safety Network’s (NHSN) surveillance definition of up to date to align with the new vaccine recommendations. As of September 25, 2023, individuals are considered up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines in NHSN if they meet one of the following criteria: 

• Received a 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine or 
• Received a bivalent* COVID-19 vaccine within the last two months.

*Please note that the bivalent vaccines are no longer authorized as of September 12, 2023. The NHSN team and public health officials expect that this change may cause a significant dip in the percentage of long-term care residents and staff who are reported as up to date for COVID vaccinations.