News

OSHA Issues Vaccination & Testing ETS

On November 4, 2021 by Kari Everson

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) completed work on the Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) and published information about the ETS this morning. 

FDA, CDC Approve Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Booster Vaccinations

On October 28, 2021 by Kari Everson

After weeks of discussions, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added booster vaccinations to the emergency use authorization (EUA) for both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. The CDC endorsed recommendations for booster injections.

MDH Seeks Feedback to Inform Booster Planning

On September 1, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is actively developing a plan for booster vaccinations in long-term care settings.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims to launch boosters the week of Sept. 20, and MDH wants to be sure this next phase in the vaccination process rolls out as quickly and smoothly as possible.

CMS Vaccine Mandate: Knowns, Unknowns and Next Steps

On August 25, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

Since President Biden announced last week that CMS will develop regulations requiring all nursing homes to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for their staff, LeadingAge Minnesota has been working closely with our national affiliate LeadingAge to seek additional information, better understand the directive, and advocate on behalf of our members.

HHS Announces Plan to Begin Offering COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters in September

On August 18, 2021 by Kari Everson

In a Joint Statement issued today, Health and Human Services (HHS) officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and other agencies announced plans to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to all Americans beginning the week of Sept. 20 and starting eight months after an individual’s second dose. 

Argentum Announces Support for Employer Mandates of COVID-19 Vaccination

On August 11, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran

Argentum has joined the ranks of national organizations supporting employer mandates of COVID-19 vaccinations for the senior living workforce. The Argentum Board of Directors voted unanimously to support this action, and the organization has publicly issued a statement.

Vaccination Rates Moving Slowly Toward Goal for LTC Staff

On July 28, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

The most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update on long-term care vaccination shows slow progress toward the goal rates continuing for staff, while resident rates remain outstanding.

CDC Highlights On-Going COVID Risks and Prevention Strategies

On July 28, 2021 by Kari Everson

We have experienced a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases in the spring and early summer compared to the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, during the middle of July, COVID-19 case numbers have spiked, with an approximately 300% increase in cases nationally.

Vaccination Rates for LTC Staff Moving Slowly Toward Goal

On July 14, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

The most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update on long-term care vaccination shows slow progress toward the goal rates continuing for staff, while resident rates remain outstanding.

CMS Enforcement of Vaccination Reporting Begins June 14

On June 9, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

Beginning Monday, June 14, CMS will issue citations and mandatory fines to nursing homes that have not submitted the required vaccination-related data to CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network.

Last Two Sessions for COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador Training

On June 2, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman

Monday, June 7 and Thursday, June 10 are the final sessions scheduled for our COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador training. The training is free. If you’re interested in signing up, please email Jenna Kellerman to register by June 4.

MDH Makes Changes to Vaccination Reporting

On March 31, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has implemented changes to the vaccination reporting for long-term care providers. As mass clinics wrap up, MDH is implementing what they call “maintenance mode” for providers who have achieved a 70% vaccination rate for both staff and residents. At this point, 15% of providers meet that standard; therefore, they will be asked only to report monthly to show that they are maintaining high vaccination rates.

MDH Continues Work to Support LTC Vaccination

On March 24, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is continuing its efforts to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other congregate living facilities.

Knowing our settings will be completing third clinics over the next couple of weeks, MDH, in consultation with LeadingAge MN and other provider associations and existing long-term care (LTC) vaccine providers, has launched an interim process for staff and residents to access vaccine administration until more vaccine is made more widely available.

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Completed for Minnesota’s Care Centers

On March 17, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), 97% of care centers had completed their third vaccination clinics as of last week Wednesday, marking essentially the end of the mass vaccination effort in those settings. At that time, 97% of Assisted livings had conducted a second clinic. With only third clinics in assisted living remaining, the program is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in Long-Term Care Closing in on Completion

On March 10, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), 63% of Minnesota’s care centers have completed their third vaccination clinics and 73% of assisted living settings have conducted a second clinic as of March 3. Both numbers rose dramatically in just the last week, keeping the program on track to complete all clinics soon.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccination Clinic Slated for the Weekend in Eagan

On March 3, 2021 by Kari Everson

MDH was able to order a large number of doses of the newly authorized Johnson & Johnson Janssen Ad-Vac (J&J), which utilizes 1 dose to vaccinate against COVID-19. The doses will be delivered to the state mid-week.

Hot Topic: Health Care Workers Travel & Quarantine

On March 3, 2021 by Kari Everson

Heath care workers (HCW) and travel is a topic that continues to elicit questions because of the complexity and multivariate nature of the guidance. Current guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health recommends abstaining from travel due to the pandemic. If HCWs decide to travel, you should consider the following information as you create organizational protocols that best address your expectations regarding travel to keep staff and residents safe.

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Progressing

On February 24, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

According to a Minnesota Department of Health survey reflecting data through last Wednesday, 98% of care centers have completed two vaccination clinics, and almost all assisted living settings had completed a first clinic. Additionally, 12% of assisted living had conducted a second clinic, a number which will rise rapidly in the next couple of weeks.

MDH Launches Portal to Connect 1A Tier 3 Health Care Workers with Available Vaccines

On January 27, 2021 by Kari Everson

The Minnesota Department of Health has launched a web portal to help identify health care workers in 1A Tier 3 who have not been able to receive the vaccine from their employers in an effort to connect them with vaccines that may become available.

Minnesota Announces Vaccine Distribution Pilot Program

On January 20, 2021 by Kari Everson

Minnesota is launching a COVID-19 vaccine pilot program, partnering with local public health and school districts, Governor Tim Walz announced on Monday. These sites will initially serve adults 65 years of age or older, as well as prekindergarten through grade 12 educators, school staff, and child care workers. The community vaccination pilot program will be the foundation for mass vaccination clinics in Minnesota communities once the federal government increases vaccine supply. The nine pilot sites will launch this week with a small number of doses for eligible Minnesotans.