In a final rule officially published on June 5^th, CMS removed the health care personnel COVID-19 vaccination mandate and announced that it would suspend enforcement pending the final rule's effective date in 60 days. This aligned with New York State's suspension of enforcement, announced on May 24^th. Nursing homes and ACFs are reminded of requirements to inform staff and residents about the vaccine and make it accessible.

CMS has communicated that the federal mandate will end soon; health care providers in NY are still subject to the state mandate.

Updates on federal efforts to increase nursing home resident bivalent booster uptake, availability of single-dose vaccine vials, and expansion of use of bivalent vaccines to children ages six months through five years.

While the White House campaign has a specific focus on nursing homes, LeadingAge NY believes that this effort will result in greater focus on vaccination for all DOH-regulated provider types. As such, members should ensure that they are in compliance with both federal (as applicable) and state regulations requiring education and offering of the vaccine.