DOH is considering its options, and impacts on State-certified providers remain unclear. The federal vaccination mandate for federally certified facilities and agencies remains in effect.

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.

For purposes of compliance with COVID-19 infection prevention measures such as routine staff testing requirements in nursing homes, quarantine of exposed residents in nursing homes and ACFs, and work exclusion of exposed staff in all settings, staff and residents will be considered "up-to-date" if they are up-to-date under the prior CDC vaccination guidance through Oct. 15^th. After Oct. 15^th, the new up-to-date definition, which relies on the bivalent booster, will be enforced.

DALs state that facilities must offer or arrange for first and second boosters for eligible individuals who wish to receive them.