With New Booster Guidance, What Does “Up-to-Date” Mean for LTC

Posted on June 9, 2022 by Kari Everson

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated recommendations for an additional COVID-19 vaccination booster (fourth shot) on May 24. The updates provide a recommendation for a second booster for those people 12 and older if they are moderately to severely immunocompromised and individuals 50 years of age and older.

These updated recommendations have brought questions about the current definition of "up-to-date" and how that affects the application of guidance related to testing, quarantine, isolation, and other infection prevention and control practices in our settings. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed on Monday that they will continue to survey nursing homes and assisted living buildings on the same practices we have used to date. For regulatory compliance purposes, "up-to-date" means individuals have received the initial vaccination of a one-dose vaccine or two doses of vaccination series and a booster dose. MDH also stated they have a call with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) this week. If any updates stem from the conversation, MDH will communicate them.

If you have COVID-19 questions, please contact Kari Everson.