Coronavirus rates drop 96% in nursing homes, but some see first-ever cases in new year
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 31, 2021
More than 430 nursing homes saw their first-ever COVID cases in early 2021, evidence that continued infection control measures are needed, and despite phenomenal declines in facility rates, says the U.S....
Grabowski: Too many loopholes in federal vaccine mandate may retain staff, but endanger residents
By
Kimberly Marselas
Aug 24, 2021
Federal officials might pursue a regional approach or offer exemptions in finalizing a nursing home staff vaccination mandate, but it’s important they not water down the regulations so much as to undermine...
BREAKING: New CMS rule requires LTC providers to report weekly COVID vaccine data, which will be made...
By
Danielle Brown
May 11, 2021
Long-term care facilities will be required to report weekly data on COVID-19 vaccination status for both residents and staff, and it will be made public, under a new federal rule released Tuesday.
J&J vaccine pause may be short, but deep concerns about staff hesitancy mounting
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 16, 2021
Two days after federal officials pressed pause on Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine, health and public policy leaders predicted it will return to use — but not without causing ongoing concern among...
‘How good are those vaccines now?’ Mixed AARP nursing home report prompts a thorny question
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 15, 2021
A new AARP report shows encouraging trends in COVID-19 cases and vaccinations. But the steady rate of resident deaths raises concerns for the future as vaccine efficacy wanes, analysts say.
Full vaccination ahead? New regulations, boosters complicate upcoming flu and COVID shots
By
John Hall
Aug 17, 2022
Nursing homes might again find themselves at ground zero of the COVID vaccine efficacy debate this fall, yet wiser for the wear from the early chaotic days of the epidemic.
Pfizer, BioNTech to pursue 2nd booster shot authorization for older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2022
A second booster — or fourth dose — will be necessary to improve the vaccine’s waning protection in the face of omicron, Pfizer’s CEO has stated. Whether the FDA will find the evidence compelling...
This season’s flu vaccinations linked to lower COVID-19 likelihood, severity
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 24, 2021
People who received a flu vaccination were 24% less likely to test positive for COVID-19. And those who did contract the disease had a less severe course when compared with people who didn’t get a flu...
What happens once Phase 1 vaccine clinics wrap up? Ensuring access to next doses
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Alicia Lasek
Feb 10, 2021
Industry advocates and the CDC answer key questions: How to facilitate a smooth transition to a new vaccine supplier; and how to guarantee second doses for staff and residents who receive their first dose...
Pfizer to ship smaller packages of COVID-19 vaccine to cut waste, boost uptake
Sep 03, 2021
CDC says smaller packages of the vaccine may be available by October