New York State Department of Health Encourages Nursing Homes to Protect Residents From COVID-19 by Offering the Updated Vaccine

Department Sent Dear Administrator Letter to Facilities Outlining Importance of Vaccinating Senior Residents Against COVID-19

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 18, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health today is encouraging nursing home and adult care facility operators and administrators to protect their senior residents from COVID-19 as respiratory illness season approaches by administering the updated COVID-19 vaccine. The State Department of Health issued a Dear Administrator Letter to facilities detailing information about the updated vaccine and the importance of protecting older adults from potentially severe illness, hospitalization or death.

"Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. The updated vaccine is well matched to the current strains and the best protection we can take," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "As we enter the respiratory illness season, now is the best time to get this FDA approved vaccine, as well as vaccines for flu and RSV."

The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are now available following the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent approval of the Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax vaccines. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of severe health complications, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. The updated vaccine can protect individuals as well as prevent the spread of the virus among family, friends and those within the community.

This letter to nursing homes and adult care facilities follows updated recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in March for adults 65 and older to receive the updated vaccine dose.

The Department of Health's Office of Aging and Long-Term Care and the Office of Public Health have taken several steps to protect long-term care (LTC) facility residents and their staff by reiterating the importance of vaccination for all consenting residents and health care personnel, as well as implementing infection control and prevention measures.

The Department also encourages LTC facilities to provide flu and RSV shots to residents in addition to the updated COVID-19 vaccine. These are three separate vaccinations. Consistent with CDC guidelines, it is safe to get all three vaccines at the same time.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald signed a standing order allowing all eligible New Yorkers to receive the new COVID-19 vaccine at any pharmacy in New York State without a prescription from their individual health care provider.

Information on the updated vaccine and the latest COVID-19 guidance and recommendations can be found here.