Topics to be addressed in the four-part webinar series include risk assessment and plan development, surveillance and NHSN reporting, hand hygiene, standard and transmission-based precautions, occupational and resident health, facility-acquired infections, cleaning and disinfection, and antimicrobial stewardship.

With seasonal influenza, COVID-19, and RSV activity remaining elevated in most parts of the country, LeadingAge NY shares several resources to help members be proactive.

Members are encouraged to read the advisory in its entirety and share with members of your team.

The guidance provides practices that should be considered when COVID and influenza are co-circulating. It may also be applied in assisted living settings.

The federal ASPR has updated its handbook for long-term care communities on infectious disease outbreaks, and the NY Medical Directors Association is offering free coaching to nursing home leaders on prevention, control, and treatment of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.

With some of the most vulnerable populations at risk during the upcoming respiratory illness season, it is imperative that facilities make proactive efforts to prevent severe illness and outbreaks.

The CDC predicts a moderate COVID wave and typical waves of flu and RSV this respiratory disease season, but warns that a strain on the health care system could be possible depending on various factors. To assist clinicians, the CDC will be holding a COCA Call to update providers on Wed., Sept. 19, 2023 from 2 to 3 p.m. ET.

Declaration indicates that providers subject to "flu mask regulation" are no longer required to have personnel who are not vaccinated against influenza wear a mask.

Members encouraged to review toolkit and attend Nov. 29^th CDC webinar.

The reminder offers information and resources to assist organizations in their efforts to encourage older adults to obtain all three respiratory virus vaccines, as appropriate and in consultation with an individual’s doctor/health care provider.

Webinar scheduled for Jan. 25^th from 1-2:30 p.m.

LeadingAge National reports that Walgreens is offering to provide vaccination clinics in long term care facilities, in an effort to increase vaccine uptake among nursing home staff.

DOH-regulated providers are reminded of various long-standing and newer requirements.

Tool provides vaccine coadministration strategies based on various scenarios.

Department of Health issues an advisory regarding Vibrio vulnificus infections in both NY and CT.

The toolkit will help inform facilities and provide a guideline for strong infection prevention and control practices specific to stopping group A strep transmission and preventing outbreaks.