Creator: Patrick Connole
CDC and COVID-19: Sector Issues Considerations for SNFs
AHCA/NCAL has new considerations for providers to consider now that the feds have issued clinical considerations for 2026-27 COVID-19 vaccines.
In a post from AHCA/NCAL, association experts said now that the feds have issued clinical considerations for 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines, it is important for SNFs to tailor this information for facilities and residents.
Links from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are below, which AHCA/NCAL said medical directors, infection preventionists, and facility leadership teams should all review.
2026-2027 COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance for People Who Are Not Immunocompromised | Covid | CDC
COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance for People Who Are Immunocompromised | Covid | CDC
Contraindications and Precautions | Covid | CDC
On what is most important for SNFs to keep in mind, the association said to note:
Because the appropriate vaccination schedule depends on age, immune status, prior vaccine history, vaccine products, and whether a recommended use is off-label, facilities should not rely on a single simplified dosing schedule. “We encourage you to work with your medical director and providers to apply the current CDC guidance to determine the appropriate schedule for each resident. Staff members should consult their own healthcare professional for individual vaccine guidance,” AHCA/NCAL said.
The CDC guidance outlines when administration for the vaccine is considered off label per the FDA. AHCA said it has conferred with CMS officials, and off label uses for residents would be covered by Medicare, as it has been in the past. “We plan to continue discussions with CMS to ensure that the MACs and other CMS contractors adhere to this policy guidance,” the post said.
AHCA/NCAL said per CMS Requirements of Participation at F-887, nursing homes must document that residents or their representatives and staff received education about the benefits and potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccination and were offered the vaccine or information on obtaining it. Records must reflect each person’s vaccination status and, when vaccination does not occur, the reason—such as refusal, prior vaccination, or a medical contraindication. Facilities should retain the dates and materials used for education, maintain appropriate resident and staff records, and monitor vaccination coverage to guide ongoing communication.
Lastly, AHCA/NCAL said information on the association’s #GetVaccinated program is available by clicking here.
Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.
