CDC Requesting Information on Vaccine Access from NHSN Users

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent an email to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) users requesting information on vaccine access. This information is reported through the required weekly reporting for nursing homes on both the resident and staff vaccine reporting sections.

CDC is urging providers to review and report this information as accurately as possible to assist CDC in identifying where vaccine shortages or access issues exist. If you are having problems with vaccine access, please be sure to report this on your weekly reporting and reach out to your local or state public health.

In related news, CDC recently released a one-page summary outlining changes to NHSN COVID-19 Vaccination Data Collection Forms for Health Care Personnel slated for the fall of 2021. The changes will affect healthcare personnel categories, vaccination status, and vaccine supply. Also, CDC indicates that facilities will need to create a monthly reporting plan before entering data into NHSN but offers no additional details.

The outline offers preparation advice and states that CDC will conduct training webinars (dates to be announced) to support users in understanding these changes.