The Delta variant is currently the most common variant causing new infections in California. Increasing evidence shows that a combination of infection after completing the primary series of vaccination can build strong hybrid immunity. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today released a memorandum and provider-specific guidance on complying with its interim final rule requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for workers in most health care settings, including hospitals and health systems, that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. There has been a growing body of evidence suggesting that a combination of history of SarsCoV2 vaccination and infection can lead to a strong hybrid immunity after recovery from infection. and based on concerning levels of transmission locally. a. California Allows Health Care Workers To Defer Mandated Booster Shot Based on Recent Infection Wednesday, March 16, 2022 On February 22, 2022, the California Department of Public Health. All in-home direct care services workers, including registered home care aides and certified home health aides, except for those workers who only provide services to a recipient with whom they live or who are a family member of the recipient for whom they provide services; c. All waiver personal care services (WPCS) providers, as defined by the California Department of Health Care Services, and in-home supportive services (IHSS) providers, as defined by the California Department of Social Services, except for those workers who only provide services to a recipient with whom they live or who are a family member of the recipient for whom they provide services; d. All hospice workers who are providing services in the home or in a licensed facility; and. California has seen a dramatic increase in the percentage of Californians that are fully vaccinated and boosted. a. California's path forward will be predicated on individual, smarter actions that will collectively yield better outcomes for our neighborhoods, communities, and state. Workers not yet eligible for boosters must be in compliance no later than 15 days after the recommended timeframe above for receiving the booster dose. The mandate required them to receive their second dose by Sept. 30.. Workers may also consider continuing routine diagnostic screening testing if they have underlying immunocompromising conditions (e.g., organ transplantation, cancer treatment), due to the greater risks such individuals face if they contract COVID-19. The week begins Monday and ends on Sunday. Additionally, workers shall wear the appropriate mask at all times based on current masking guidelines as posted on the Lifeline COVID-19 page, and obtain twice-weekly COVID-19 testing (with 48-72 hours between each test), until compliant with the CDPH Order. Although COVID-19 vaccination remains effective in preventing severe disease, recent data suggest vaccination becomes less effective over time at preventing infection or milder illness with symptoms, especially in people aged 65 years and older. d. Testing records (when required) pursuant to section (4) must be maintained. Also, it is more difficult to tell when dark-colored procedure masks get soiled and should be discarded. Note: During a COVID-19 outbreak, all workers may be subject to more frequent and regular intervals of COVID-19 testing regardless of vaccination status. Since the start of the pandemic, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has led with science and data to better understand COVID-19. All workers who provide services or work in Adult and Senior Care Facilities licensed by the California Department of Social Services; b. The terms of this Order supersede the August 5, 2021 State Health Officer Health Care Worker Vaccine Requirement Order. Reasonable Medical Accommodations: CDCR civil service workers shall notify their supervisor and Return-to-Work Coordinator of their request. They are critical for building a foundation of individual and herd immunity, especially while a portion of our population continues to be unvaccinated. No. Direct Care Worker and information regarding the Pf-i19zer COVID Vaccine Boos ter. This Order shall take effect on September 17, 2022, and facilities must be in compliance with the Order at that time, with the exception of the deadlines set forth in section 2.a, which facilities must comply with as written. Testing Overview COVID-19 Antibody Testing Learn about COVID-19 antibodies and CDC recommendations for using COVID-19 antibody tests. 2. COVID-19 vaccination causes a more predictable immune response than infection with the virus that causes COVID-19." There is frequent exposure to staff and highly vulnerable patients, including elderly, chronically ill, critically ill, medically fragile, and disabled patients. In fact, recent data suggests that viral load is roughly 1,000 times higher in people infected with the Delta variant than those infected with the original coronavirus strain, according to a recent study. Pfizer or Moderna), or two weeks or more after they have received a single-dose vaccine (e.g. Workers may obtain no-cost COVID-19 testing from CDCR/CCHCS testing clinic(s) at their institution/facility. HAs may not put workers out on unpaid leave without the workers agreement. If progressive discipline is already in process and the worker submits an accommodation request, the process shall pause pending a determination on the request. Upon receipt of the approval or denial by the vendor/contractor/network contractor, DCCS shall forward to HAs at the location(s) the provider/contractor renders services. Accordingly, amendments to the original State Public Health Officer Order of September 28, 2021, to make boosters mandatory and to require additional testing of workers eligible for boosters who are not yet boosted are necessary at this critical time. 2. All COVID-19 vaccines that are currently authorized for emergency use can be found at the following links: a. 2 min read. Recent evidence also shows that among healthcare workers, vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infection is also decreasing over time without boosters. Since March 2022, healthcare personnel booster rates reached 90%. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. California must be vigilant to maintain situational awareness through surveillance and be ready to pause or reinstate a higher level of protective mitigation recommendations or requirements. Workers shall wear the appropriate mask at all times based on current masking guidelines as posted on the Lifeline COVID-19 page. b. access to online resources providing up to date information on COVID-19 science and research. If not yet eligible for a vaccine booster, the returning worker shall obtain a booster dose no later than 15 calendar days after the recommended timeframe per Table A of the. Operators of the facilities subject to the requirement under section (1) must maintain records pursuant to the CDPH Guidance for Vaccine Records Guidelines & Standards with the following information: (1) full name and date of birth; (2) vaccine manufacturer; and (3) date of vaccine administration (for first dose and, if applicable, second dose). Citing the evolution of the pandemic and the expiration of the state's emergency health order, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously . The CDPH has amended its mandatory vaccination requirement for workers in healthcare settings to account for booster shots, as follows: If a healthcare worker became eligible 1 for a booster on or before January 17, 2022, they must receive their booster shot by February 1, 2022. Workers shall continue reporting to work, wear the appropriate mask at all times based on current masking guidelines as posted on the Lifeline COVID-19 page, and test twice-weekly (with 48-72 hours between each test), until fully-vaccinated/boosted. On December 22, 2021, this Order was amended to make boosters mandatory for covered workers and to require additional testing of workers eligible for boosters who are not yet boosted. b. Yes. Federal regulations 42 CFR 483.80(d)(3) and 42 CFR 483.460(a)(4)(i) also require that Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs-IID) must offer COVID-19 vaccines to residents, clients, and staff onsite when supplies are available to the facility and in accordance with the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) COVID-19 vaccine schedule, which includes bivalent booster doses. No. In addition, 88% of Skilled Nursing Facility healthcare personnel have received at least one booster doseand 71% of staff at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation have completed their primary series. Yes, workers who previously had COVID-19 need to get tested twice-weekly if they are subject to the CDPH Order and are unvaccinated, partially-vaccinated, or booster-eligible but unboosted. b. New York on Friday became the latest state to delay its mandate for health care workers to receive Covid-19 vaccine boosters. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and PACE Centers, viii. Upon returning to work, workers shall immediately be provided written instructions to comply with mandatory COVID-19 vaccine, booster and testing requirements as follows. Further, the settings in this order share several features. By the World Health Organization (WHO), are listed at the Work at California Health Care Facility (CHCF), California Medical Facility (CMF), and regularly assigned to work in Central California Womens Facilitys (CCWF) SNF. Increasing evidence shows that a combination of infection after completing the primary series of vaccination can build strong hybrid immunity. Decrease, Reset All non-custody institution workers vaccination/booster status will be verified by management if required to work in a vaccination/booster-required post. Novavax is not authorized for use as a booster dose at this time, Booster dose at least 2 months and no more than 6 months after 1st dose, World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use listing COVID-19 vaccine, Booster dose at least 2 months and no more than 6 months after getting all recommended doses, Single booster dose of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Custody workers shall be notified of a posts vaccination/booster requirement prior to bidding. WHO COVID-19 Vaccines webpage. Procedure and KN95/N95 masks are readily available at each institution/facility and shall be provided to workers when requested. The worker has a right under the Departments EEO policy to file a discrimination complaint internally via OCR or externally via EEOC/ Department of Fair and Equal Housing (DFEH). Guidance for Healthcare Workers about COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Testing Updated Dec. 20, 2022 Print Testing Overview Summary of considerations and current CDC recommendations regarding COVID-19 testing strategies. Vaccines continue to remain the most critical aspect of moving our communities out of this pandemic. All CDCR/CCHCS requests require a CDCR Form 855, Request for Reasonable Accommodation, and a written statement signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or other licensed medical professional practicing under the license of a physician stating that the individual qualifies for the accommodation. For CCHCS, requests shall be submitted to their vendor/contractor/network contractor, along with a written statement signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or other licensed medical professional practicing under the license of a physician stating that the individual qualifies for the accommodation (but the statement shall not describe the underlying health condition or disability) and the probable duration of an individuals inability to receive any COVID-19 vaccine (or if the duration is unknown or permanent, so indicate). On December 22, 2021, this Order was amended to make boosters mandatory for covered workers and to require additional testing of workers eligible for boosters who are not yet boosted. b. Vaccine coverage is also high among workers in high-risk settings, and the proportion of unvaccinated workers is low. HCP who have completed their primary series who provide proof of subsequent COVID-19 infection may defer this booster administration for up to 90 days after infection. Compliance with CDCR/CCHCS masking requirements is considered an essential function of all classifications and is mandatory. By February 1, 2022, health care workers and all employees in high-risk congregate settings, including nursing homes, will be required to get their booster. Between that time and the March 1st, 2022, deadline, booster rates for healthcare personnelincreased 47%. Thanks to vaccinations and to measures taken since March 2020, California's health care system is currently able to address the increase in cases and hospitalizations. Those workers currently eligible for booster doses per the Table above must receive their booster dose by no later than March 1, 2022. In addition, the recent emergence of the Omicron variant (it is estimated that approximately 70% of cases sequenced, nationally, are Omicron and rapid increases are occurring globally) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts, including testing, are needed to continue protecting against COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant challenge in California. Vaccine coverage is also high among workers in high-risk settings, and the proportion of unvaccinated workers is low. 1. The, troduction to State Public Health Officer Order of September 13, 2022, en To be eligible for a Qualified Medical Reasons exemption the worker must also provide to their employer a written statement signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or other licensed medical professional practicing under the license of a physician stating that the individual qualifies for the exemption (but the statement should not describe the underlying medical condition or disability) and indicating the probable duration of the worker's inability to receive the vaccine (or if the duration is unknown or permanent, so indicate). 13. Note: During a COVID-19 outbreak, all workers may be subject to more frequent and regular intervals of COVID-19 testing regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated persons are more likely to get infected and spread the virus, which is transmitted through the air. All workers who are eligible for the exceptions outlined in subdivisions (b), (c), and (e) of section (1) must only provide services to a single household. If the worker still refuses to comply within this timeframe, HAs shall initiate or continue corrective or disciplinary action. Yes, the worker shall be exempt from progressive discipline pending the HAs determination on a request for accommodation. All workers currently eligible for boosters, who provide services or work in facilities described in subdivision 1(a) must be "fully vaccinated and boosted" for COVID-19 receiving all recommended doses of the primary series of vaccines and a vaccine booster dose pursuant to Table A below. HAs shall initiate corrective or disciplinary action to workers who fail to comply with the instructions and timeframes outlined above. All workers who provide services or work in facilities described in subdivision (a) have their first dose of a one-dose regimen or their second dose of a two-dose regimen by September 30, 2021: ii. 9. Janssen). (916) 558-1784, COVID 19 Information Line: Alternatively, workers may select another no-cost community clinic listed on the website myturn.ca.gov, or from their personal health care provider, and follow the process for submitting proof of vaccination/booster outlined in Attachment A of the January 28, 2022, memorandum. Workers who initially received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are recommended to receive the booster two months after their initial dose. Under the PHO for adult care facilities and direct care workers, those workers with an approved vaccine exemption or who are eligible for a booster but have not yet received it, testing must be conducted weekly, commencing December 27, 2021. [1]On January 25, 2022, this deadline for booster doses was updated from February 1, 2022, to March 1, 2022. At present 80% of Californians 12 years of age and older have completed their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines, and 48% have received their first booster dose. Reset a. FDA COVID-19 Vaccines webpage. There also is an FAQ document for the health care worker public health order. X-ray Machine Registration Family Health Breastfeeding Genetic Disease Screening Mental Health Nutrition and Physical Activity Pregnancy and Reproductive Health Women, Infants and Children Personal Health and Prevention Cannabis (Marijuana) Immunizations Nutrition Quit Smoking Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Health and Safety Order of the State Public Health Officer Health Care Worker Health (1 days ago) WebThus CDPH is updating its order requiring health care workers to be fully vaccinated and boosted by March 1, 2022 to allow delay of the March 1, 2022 deadline for receiving a booster for covered workers with proof of a recent infection for up to 90 days Cdph.ca.gov Workers include, but are not limited to, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, students and trainees, contractual staff not employed by the health care facility, and persons not directly involved in patient care, but who could be exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted in the health care setting (e.g., clerical, dietary, environmental services, laundry, security, engineering and facilities management, administrative, billing, and volunteer personnel). Residential Substance Use Treatment and Mental Health Treatment Facilities. Gov. If upon the workers return to work, the worker is subjected to the CDPH Order: Yes. By the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are listed at the FDA COVID-19 Vaccines webpage. Workers who have been boosted are not required to test weekly. Two-dose vaccines include: Pfizer-BioNTech,Moderna or Novavaxor vaccines authorized by the World Health Organization. California's hospital and health care delivery system is strained. 3. Reference: State Public Health Officer Order of September 28, 2021 . Sacramento, CA 95899-7377, For General Public Information: When the CDCR Form 989 is submitted through the OIAs Case Management System, the HA shall also provide written instruction to the worker to comply with the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine booster dose and/or twice-weekly testing requirements, within seven calendar days. a. Any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States may be used for the booster dose, but either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech are preferred. California continues to experience high-levels COVID-19 cases with 21.1 new cases per 100,000 people per day, with case rates currently tenfold higher as compared to June 2, 2021. 10. In many of these settings, the patients are at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease due to underlying health conditions, advanced age, or both. This includes workers serving in residential care or other direct care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to persons in care or SARS-CoV-2 airborne aerosols. The 2 big omicron trade-offs health care leaders must make Accordingly, amendments to the State Public Health Officer Order of February 22, 2022 regarding required testing for exempt covered workers are needed at this time, to reflect recent CDC recommendations, the current science of the Omicron subvariants, the increases in community immunity from vaccination and infection, and increases in vaccine coverage of our healthcare workforce. The top industry settings are adult and senior care facilities and in-home direct care settings (22%) where increasing numbers of workers are among the new positive cases and recent outbreaks in these types of settings have frequently been traced to unvaccinated individuals. 10. Make sure you are up-to-date with recommended vaccines. Facilities and employers may also still consider various screening strategies (point in time testing, serial testing, etc.) [2]To provide proof of prior infection, workers must provide documentation of previous diagnosis from a healthcare provider or confirmed laboratory results. If the accommodation request is denied, the worker has 15 calendar days to initiate a vaccination/booster. Additionally, given the current hospital census, even a moderate surge in cases and hospitalizations could materially impact California's health care delivery system within certain regions of the state. Recent outbreaks in health care settings have frequently been traced to unvaccinated staff members. At present, 80% of Californians 12 years of age and older have completed their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines, and 62% have also received at least their first booster dose. Order of the State Public Health Officer Adult Care Facilities and Direct Care Worker Vaccine Requirement. Vaccine coverage is also high among workers in high-risk settings, and the proportion of unvaccinated workers is low. Thecurrent State Public Health Officer Orderis ineffect untilApril 2, 2023. , Related Materials:Adult Care Facilities and Direct Care Worker Vaccine Requirement Q&A. to Default, Certificates, Licenses, Permits and Registrations, Registered Environmental Health Specialist, California Health Facilities Information Database, Chronic Disease Surveillance and Research, Division of Radiation Safety and Environmental Management, Center for Health Statistics and Informatics, Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program, Office of State Public Health Laboratory Director, current State Public Health Officer Order, Adult Care Facilities and Direct Care Worker Vaccine Requirement Q&A, QSO-23-02-ALL (Revised Guidance for Staff Vaccination Requirements), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech or Novavax or vaccines authorized by World Health Organization, Booster dose at least 2 months and no more than 6 months after 2nd dose. Nothing in this Order limits otherwise applicable requirements related to Personal Protective Equipment, personnel training, and infection control policies and practices. CDPH continues to assess conditions on an ongoing basis. For these reasons, COVID-19 remains a concern to public health and, in order to prevent its further spread in hospitals, SNFs, and other health care settings, new public health requirements are necessary at this time. Between that time and the March 1st, 2022, deadline, booster rates for healthcare personnelincreased 47%. In addition, at the federal level, QSO-23-02-ALL (Revised Guidance for Staff Vaccination Requirements) currently requires all Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers ensure that all applicable staff are vaccinated with COVID19 primary series. New and current registry/contract assignments and onboarding processes have been updated to reflect CDPH order requirements. c. For unvaccinated workers: signed declination forms with written health care provider's statement where applicable, as described in section (6) above. Since the start of the pandemic, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has led with science and data to better understand this disease. The state's health commissioner Mary Bassett on Friday announced that health officials would delay the booster requirement that was set to take effect Monday. Espaol, - k Yes, workers who previously had COVID19 still need to get vaccinated and/or boosted if they are regularly assigned to work in the areas, institutions, posts and locations specified in the August 23, 2021 and January 28, 2022, memoranda, unless they have an approved religious or reasonable medical accommodation for the vaccine/booster. Call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) to be routed to Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) volunteer clinicians. Novavax is not authorized for use as a booster dose at this time, A mix and match series composed of any combination of FDA-approved, FDA-authorized, or WHO-EUL COVID-19 vaccines, Booster dose at least2 months and no more than6 monthsafter getting all recommended doses, Order of the State Public Health Officer Health Care Worker Vaccine Requirement. While awaiting determination, workers shall continue reporting to work, wear the appropriate mask at all times based on current masking guidelines as posted on the Lifeline COVID-19 page, and test twice-weekly (with 48-72 hours between each test), until fully-vaccinated or until boosted (if booster-eligible). Novavax is not authorized for use as a booster dose at this time. California has seen a dramatic increase in the percentage of Californians that are fully vaccinated and boosted. LA County COVID-19 Data and Reports LA County Daily COVID-19 Data webpage As we've also seen, the Omicron subvariants have shown immune escape and increased transmissibility, and while unvaccinated individuals still have higher risk of infection, previously infected, vaccinated, and boosted persons have also been infected. On August 11th and August 24th the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in updated guidance, also indicated that screening testing is no longer recommended in general community settings, and while screening testing may still be considered in high-risk settings, if implemented it should include all persons, regardless of vaccination status, given recent variants and subvariants with significant immune evasion. For the most current testing requirements for the incarcerated, refer to the COVID-19 Interim Guidance. Workers may be exempt from the vaccination requirements under section (1) only upon providing the employer or employer-recipient a declination form, signed by the individual stating either of the following: (1) the worker is declining vaccination based on Religious Beliefs, or (2) the worker is excused from receiving any COVID-19 vaccine due to Qualifying Medical Reasons. The Delta variant is highly transmissible and causes more severe illness. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Workers with a deferral due to a proven COVID-19 infection must be in compliance no later than 15 days after the expiration of their deferral. Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and the other health care facility types identified in this order are particularly high-risk settings where COVID-19 outbreaks can have severe consequences for vulnerable populations including hospitalization, severe illness, and death. Accordingly, amendments to the original State Public Health Officer Order of December 22, 2021, are needed at this time, to reflect current science and understanding as it relates to hybrid immunity in those who are fully vaccinated and then become infected. A template for the written instruction is available upon request from the local EEO/HCERO. At present, 80% of Californians 12 years of age and older have completed their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines, and 62% have also received at least their first booster dose. Health care workers aren't the only group under a new vaccine mandate: The California State University announced Wednesday that it's requiring boosters by Feb. 28 for all . (1-833-422-4255). Reset This Order is issued pursuant to Health and Safety Code sections 120125, 120140, 120175,120195 and 131080 and other applicable law. EAST LANSING - Michigan State University is dropping a COVID-19 vaccine and booster mandate for students and staff a little more than a year after introducing the requirement at the height of . Workers should only test if 90 days have passed since they tested positive. COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing infection and serious impacts including hospitalization and death. Consistent with applicable privacy laws and regulations, the operator of the facility must maintain records of workers' vaccination or exemption status. These measures can improve vaccination rates in these settings, which ensures that both the individuals being served as well as the workers providing the services, are protected from COVID-19.