The CDC announced it is taking steps to make it easier for long term care facilities (LTCFs) to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to staff and residents.

• LTC pharmacies can transfer COVID-19 vaccine/boosters to LTCFs in single dose vials to directly vaccinate residents and staff by waiving some of the reporting requirements LTC pharmacies had to follow.
• This move comes after strong advocacy by AHCA/NCAL. 

Previously, some LTCFs were limited in their ability to access the COVID-19 vaccine directly due to federal reporting requirements imposed on LTC pharmacies.

How it works: LTC facilities can become sub-providers in the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program and provide single dose vaccines to residents without the vaccine reporting requirements except in certain states with laws and regulations that require reporting to their state IIS system.

Important notes on this agreement include: 

• To receive single dose vials from the LTC pharmacy, you will need to sign the CDC COVID-19 Sub-Provider Vaccine Agreement for LTCF located on the CDC website. Most of the requirements outlined in this agreement are steps you already follow for other vaccines such as influenza.
• This does not eliminate the required weekly aggregate reporting of vaccine information through NHSN. 
• If you have a federal vaccine provider agreement in place, this is not necessary. 
• You will need to talk to your LTC pharmacy about reporting requirements in your state.

AHCA/NCAL strongly encourages members to consider engaging in this option.

• Quick and easy access to single dose vials of the COVID-19 vaccine or booster will help encourage uptake among residents and staff alike.  

Visit this CDC website for more information.