Oct. 25th COVID-19 Update
New updates pertaining to the COVID-19 emergency continue to be announced by both the state and federal government on a regular basis. The latest developments for providers of long-term/post-acute care (LTPAC) and senior services are outlined below.
As a reminder, LeadingAge NY continues to convene weekly webinars on Mondays at 11 a.m. to address emerging questions on COVID-19. A recording of our most recent webinar, held on Oct. 24th, is available here, and a list of the items shared by LeadingAge NY staff in the webinar chat can be accessed here. If you have questions for next week’s update or would like the access information, please contact Jeff Diamond.
Cross-Sector Updates
State Issues Updated Vaccination Provider Guidance
On Oct. 17th, the State issued updated COVID-19 vaccination provider guidance addressing the fact that bivalent boosters are now available for younger individuals. Click here for a review of the most pertinent changes.
EVUSHELD COVID-19 Treatment Available for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised Individuals
Provider members should note the availability of COVID-19 prophylactic treatments for individuals in their care who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. EVUSHELD™, a monoclonal antibody, is authorized as pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent COVID-19 in people moderately to severely immunocompromised.
EVUSHELD™ can also be used by those for whom vaccination with any available COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended due to a history of severe adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine(s) or its component(s). Data suggests that EVUSHELD™ could have decreased efficacy against the Omicron BA.4.6, BF.7, and BA.2.75 sublineages with substitutions at spike protein 346.
Members should consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for clinical and operational information, as well as details on the treatment's interaction with COVID-19 variants and timing of treatments.
Nursing Home Updates
DOH Responds to Questions on Oct. 13th Nursing Home COVID-19 Guidance
On Oct. 20th, the Department of Health (DOH) responded via email to questions posed by LeadingAge NY regarding the Oct. 13th nursing home guidance on COVID-19 testing, visitation, and cohorting. Click here for more information.
DOH Releases Guidance on Temporary Nurse Aide Waiver Extension
DOH released guidance on Oct. 19th describing the waiver extension it received from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) enabling temporary nurse aides (TNAs) to continue working beyond four months. Click here for more information.