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Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can lead to severe complications, hospitalizations, and even death, especially among adults ages 60 and older and those living in long-term care facilities. The campaign provides clear, evidence-based information about vaccinations for pan-respiratory viruses (PRVs) to increase vaccine confidence and encourage vaccination among at-risk groups.
HHS partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and national, state, and local organizations to spread the benefits of PRV vaccinations at the grassroots level. Select the links to resources (e.g. fact sheets to print or email on flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations; FAQs about vaccines; and suggested scripting for patient conversations, printable poster outlining key reasons to get vaccinated, videos, messaging, and digital advertisements optimized for social media) for healthcare providers and other priority audiences, including older adults, long-term care residents, health navigators, pregnant people, and healthcare professionals.
Medicare Part B covers:
More Information:
CDC Respiratory Illnesses webpage
Vaccines.gov website
Annual Influenza Vaccination (PDF) and Chronic Condition Prevalence among Medicare Fee-For-Service Enrollees with COVID-19 (PDF) data snapshots: Learn about disparities in Medicare patients
Flu Shots, Medicare & Coronavirus, and RSV Shots: Get information for your patients
Influenza
Influenza
This report updates the 2023–24 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations concerning the use of seasonal influenza vaccines in the United States.
Per the RAI Manual. Influenza can occur at any time, but most influenza occurs from October through May. However, residents should be immunized as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Page O-14.
Per the RAI Manual. Influenza can occur at any time, but most influenza occurs from October through May. However, residents should be immunized as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Page O-14.
The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Manual 2025 Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Module Protocol: Influenza Vaccination Summary
COVID-19
COVID-19
Article from PALTmed (Post Acute and Long Term Care Medical Association) UPDATES August 2024
Article from PALTmed (Post Acute and Long Term Care Medical Association) UPDATES August 2024
Two new COVID vaccines were approved for use late last week, and experts continue to encourage seniors to get the booster. Still, payment issues for nursing homes and long-term care pharmacies complicate access for residents. Select the above link to read more.
Interim Clinical Considerations: Summary of recent changes (last updated September 6, 2024)
Interim Clinical Considerations: Summary of recent changes (last updated September 6, 2024)
Recommendations for the use of 2024–2025 Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine in people ages 12 years and older
Updated guidance in the Interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccines section and in Appendix B on completion of an initial vaccination series if vaccine doses from different manufacturers are administered in certain circumstances
COVID-19: Updated Vaccines for 2024–2025 Season
COVID-19: Updated Vaccines for 2024–2025 Season
The FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024–2025 season:
August 22, 2024: mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna
August 30, 2024: Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted
These listed vaccines target currently circulating variants and provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death:
Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted includes a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant JN.1 strain of SARS-CoV-2
CMS updated COVID-19 vaccine pricing for the 2024–2025 season:
CPT codes 91318–91322 effective August 22, 2024 (Note: no change to payment allowances from last season for 91318–91319)
CPT code 91304 effective August 30, 2024
*Use CPT code 90480 to bill for the administration of the vaccine.
The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Manual 2025 COVID-19 VACCINATION PROTOCOL Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Module for Healthcare Personnel
From PALTnews (Post Acute Long Term Care Medical Association)
From PALTnews (Post Acute Long Term Care Medical Association)
The COVID Crusaders campaign aims to equip healthcare professionals with the tools, knowledge, and recognition they need to improve vaccination rates and protect residents and staff. Through this program, participants will gain access to valuable resources, including a podcast series and an online forum where they can discuss challenges, share solutions, and learn from experts. Find out more and listen to the podcasts.
COVID-19 continues to disproportionately affect nursing home residents, with confirmed cases rising to 8.4 per 1,000 residents as of August 4, 2024. Despite this increase, only 31% of nursing home residents were up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines as of July 28, 2024. The CDC now recommends an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose for adults aged 65 years or older. Select the link to read more.
CDC has updated its summary of recent changes for 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. These clinical considerations provide health-care professionals with information on use of COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine composition, groups recommended for vaccination, and overview of vaccination schedules. Read more.
RSV
RSV
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a variety of resources to support long-term care (LTC) facilities during the 2024-25 respiratory virus season:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a variety of resources to support long-term care (LTC) facilities during the 2024-25 respiratory virus season:
Toolkits, Education, and Guidance
Testing and Treatment Guidance for Nursing Homes When COVID-19 and Influenza are Co-Circulating
Risk Less, Do More Campaign from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Data Dashboards
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Billing and Payment Resources
Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Resources
Weekly distribution of over-the-counter testing resources is available to LTC facilities. To be added to the distribution or to increase the weekly allocation, facilities can send a request via email to tdx@hhs.gov with the following information:
A copy of the facility's current CLIA waiver
Name and address of the facility
Facility type: Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing Home
Name, email, and phone number for the facility point of contact
Number of employees in the facility
Number of tests required per week
Paxlovid access is available through December 2024 via PAXCESS.
CDC Releases Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes
CDC Releases Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes provides a comprehensive approach that includes infection prevention, testing, vaccination, and treatment. This toolkit provides guidance recommendations and resources that nursing leadership can use to fight respiratory infections.
From PALTnews (Post Acute Long Term Care Medical Association)
From PALTnews (Post Acute Long Term Care Medical Association)
(The Journal of Infectious Diseases)
Older age and comorbid conditions increase the risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and assisted living (AL) facilities represent an intersection of risk factors. A 3-year prospective study in Rochester, NY, compared the population-based incidence of RSV-associated hospitalization for community-dwelling, SNF, and AL adults aged 65 years and older. Read more.
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