Nursing home members encouraged to review advisory.

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine and an updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 and flu this fall and winter.

Nursing home members are encouraged to participate in the CDC’s enhanced barrier precautions townhall on May 22^nd and vaccine payment webinar on May 30^th.

DOH confirms that ACF and AL providers should follow updated guidance.

Comments on the CMS proposed regulation to make NHSN reporting permanent and expand the scope of data collection are due by Aug. 26, 2024.

The advisory recommends maintaining a heightened index of suspicion for scabies in individuals presenting with an undiagnosed skin rash, even if characteristic signs or symptoms of scabies are absent.

The CDC recommends that all adults aged 75 and older, as well as adults aged 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV due to certain chronic medical conditions or who live in nursing homes, receive the RSV vaccine.

Nursing home members advised to review updated FAQs.

With the Health Commissioner’s declaration, the requirement that certain personnel unvaccinated for the current influenza season wear a surgical or procedure mask while in areas where patients or residents may be present is no longer in effect.

New QSO-24-08-NH incorporates Enhanced Barrier Precautions into infection control procedures for MDROs, aligning with nationally accepted standards.

To complete the upgrade to Level 3 access and resume reporting capabilities, NHSN users should email nhsn@cdc.gov with the subject line “Enhancing Security Data – Level 3.”

The new guidance for the general public recommends that people with respiratory virus symptoms stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both resolution of fever and overall symptoms are getting better. The updated guidance does not apply to nursing homes and other health care settings, where pre-existing COVID-19 guidance continues to apply.