Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Long-term Care Residents

COVID-19 Vaccines for Long-term Care Residents
Updated Feb. 7, 2024

What You Need to Know

  • CDC recommends everyone aged 5 years and older, including people who live and work in Long-term Care (LTC) settings, get 1 updated COVID-19 vaccine. Children aged 6 months – 4 years may need more than 1 updated COVID-19 vaccine dose to be up to date.
  • People aged 65 years and older who received 1 dose of any updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Novavax) should receive 1 additional dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the previous updated dose. For more Novavax information, click or tap here.
  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised can get additional updated COVID-19 vaccine doses. Learn more about additional doses.
  • People who live in LTC settings must give consent, or agree to getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you live or work in a Long-term Care (LTC) setting, you can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting  your updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Long Term Care Facility Residents

If your loved one is not able to ask questions or otherwise communicate with the LTC staff, here’s what to know about consent for getting a COVID-19 vaccine:

  • Consent or assent for a COVID-19 vaccine is given by LTC residents (or people appointed to make medical decisions on their behalf called a medical proxy) and documented in their charts per the provider’s standard practice.
  • Residents who receive a COVID-19 vaccine (or their medical proxy) also receive a fact sheet before vaccination. The fact sheet explains the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Some COVID-19 vaccination providers may require written, email, or verbal consent from recipients before getting vaccinated. This is at the provider’s discretion; written consent is not required by federal law for COVID-19 vaccination in the United States (U.S.)

How to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Mobile Information

To make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for you or your family member:

  • Talk with the LTC staff about getting vaccinated on site.
  • Ask a family member or friend to help you schedule a vaccination appointment if you can’t get vaccinated on site. Visit vaccines.gov to find providers near you.
  • If you have additional questions about how to get a COVID-19 vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider.

To find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.