Updated COVID-19 Vaccines
On September 11, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval and emergency use authorization (EUA) of updated COVID-19 vaccines formulated to more closely target the currently circulating variants. According to the FDA, the updated mRNA vaccines (2023-2024 formula) are manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant XBB.1.5.
The FDA’s actions include the approval of single dose COVID-19 vaccines for individuals 12 years of age and older, as well as EUA of updated COVID-19 vaccine formulas for use in children ages six months through 11 years of age. Click here for additional details on the FDA’s recent actions.
Following the FDAs actions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced recommendations that everyone 6 months and older get 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they’ve received any original (or “monovalent”) COVID-19 vaccines, to be “up to date”.
On September 13, 2023, during her press conference, Governor Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available. Also, the governor directed the NYS DOH to issue a reminder to long-term care facilities, specifically nursing homes (NH DAL: #23-15), regarding regulatory requirements (10 NYCRR § 66.4.1) that nursing homes must:
- Offer all consenting, unvaccinated existing personnel and residents an opportunity to receive the first or any recommended next or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Ensure that all new personnel, including employees and contract staff, and every new resident and resident readmitted to the nursing home, has an opportunity to receive the first or any recommended next or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine within fourteen (14) days of having been hired by or admitted or readmitted to the nursing home.
- Post conspicuous signage throughout the nursing home, including at points of entry and exit and each residential hallway, reminding personnel and residents that the facility offers COVID-19 vaccination.
- Provide all personnel and residents who decline to be vaccinated a written affirmation for their signature, which indicates that they were offered the opportunity for a COVID-19 vaccination but declined. Such affirmation must state that the signatory is aware that, if they later decide to be vaccinated for COVID-19, it is their responsibility to request vaccination from the facility. The facility shall maintain signed affirmations on file at the facility and make such forms available at the request of the Department.
The updated COVID-19 vaccines were available at pharmacies, physicians’ offices, and other health care providers as early as last week.
As of September 27, 2023, the Department of Health has updated the following COVID-19 guidance for Medicaid providers.
- Medicaid Coverage Policy and Billing Guidance for the 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccines
- Coverage Policy and Billing Guidance for the Administration of COVID 19 Vaccines
- NYS Medicaid Coverage Policy and Billing Guidance for the Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccine Counseling Provided by School Based Health Centers
