The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted interim clinical considerations for the use of the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines, which includes several key webpages that Medical Directors, Infection Preventionists, and facility leadership teams should review, as they consider their fall vaccination programs.
Important considerations for nursing homes:
- Because the appropriate vaccination schedule depends on age, immune status, prior vaccine history, vaccine products, and whether a recommended use is off-label, facilities should not rely on a single simplified dosing schedule. We encourage you to work with your medical director and providers to apply the current CDC guidance to determine the appropriate schedule for each resident. Staff members should consult their own healthcare professional for individual vaccine guidance.
- The CDC guidance outlines when administration for the vaccine is considered off label per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). AHCA has conferred with CMS officials, and off label uses for residents would be covered by Medicare, as it has been in the past. We plan to continue discussions with CMS to ensure that the MACs and other CMS contractors adhere to this policy guidance.
- Per CMS Requirements of Participation at F-887, nursing homes must document that residents or their representatives and staff received education about the benefits and potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccination and were offered the vaccine or information on obtaining it. Records must reflect each person’s vaccination status and, when vaccination does not occur, the reason—such as refusal, prior vaccination, or a medical contraindication. Facilities should retain the dates and materials used for education, maintain appropriate resident and staff records, and monitor vaccination coverage to guide ongoing communication.
This article is based on CDC guidance updated September 23, 2026. Recommendations may change. Review the most current CDC’s guidance for complete recommendations. Questions may be sent to regulatory@ahca.org.
AHCA/NCAL’s #GetVaccinated campaign raises awareness and provides tools and resources to support long term care providers with their vaccination efforts during the respiratory virus season. To learn more about the #GetVaccinated program, click here.