Vaccination

A recent analysis by KFF found that despite over one-fifth of all U.S. COVID-19 deaths occurring in long-term care facilities, as of January 14, 2024, only 38% of residents and 15% of staff were “up-to-date” with their COVID-19 vaccines, which the CDC defines as having received the updated Fall 2023 vaccine. Reasons for the decline in vaccine uptake vary, including fewer federal initiatives aimed at increasing vaccinations, the end of vaccine mandates for healthcare workers, and declining concerns about COVID-19 risks.

On Monday, February 12, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated State Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Basic Health Program Vaccine Toolkit. This updated toolkit serves as a consolidated and comprehensive compilation of vaccination policies, including related flexibilities and coverage and payment requirements, for states to consider as they transition away from the COVID-19 public health emergency and implement Inflation Reduction Act coverage requirements. It also includes additional considerations states may make to enhance vaccination coverage and access, including provider qualifications, immunization registries, and payment considerations.

Each fall, the Eldercare Locator's Home for the Holidays campaign shines a light on an important topic affecting the health and wellness of older adults. This year, the focus is on encouraging older adults to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated before gathering with loved ones for the holidays. The Eldercare Locator’s 2023 Home for the Holidays campaign addresses connecting older adults, caregivers and families with information on vaccines and local resources that can help make getting vaccinated easy. Campaign materials include a brochure, vaccine fact sheet, aging network toolkit, and social media graphics...

As the nation enters cold and flu season, USAging, through the ADVC, has launched a national marketing campaign to encourage older adults and people with disabilities to roll up their sleeves this fall and winter. Launched this spring with funding from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), the USAging-led ADVC is working with nearly 1,600 grantees and partners to inform and educate consumers about the importance of vaccination—and to connect them to local organizations that can help them get vaccinated. USAging’s You’ve Got This campaign is aimed at encouraging older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and families to stay healthy by getting vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) July 21st report, “Use of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines in Older Adults: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2023 (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2023;72:793–801)," describes the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation that adults aged 60 and older may receive a single dose of the RSV. Beginning in May 2022, the ACIP Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines Adult Work Group met to review available evidence regarding the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of these vaccines among adults aged ≥60 years. On June 21, 2023, ACIP voted to recommend that adults aged ≥60 years may receive a single dose..