| Organization: | Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences Department of Public Health |
|---|---|
| Date published: | November 22, 2022 |
| Last updated: | November 5, 2026 |
Overview
Personnel in long-term care facilities are at an increased risk of acquiring influenza. Annual flu vaccination of both residents and staff is essential to preventing these outbreaks.
American Medical Association (AMA) Resources
Manuscripts published in JAMA
• Respiratory Season Virus Vaccines: Restoring Confidence and Trust
• Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season
• COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season
• RSV Immunization Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season
CDC Resources:
- Infection Control Actions to Take During Respiratory Virus Season
- Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes
- Viral Respiratory Infections
The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) website also provides Flu Resources for Healthcare Professionals, and for Patients and Partners.
If you have questions regarding pricing and reimbursement under Medicare Part B, including pneumococcal and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines, please call the Medicare Call Center at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Regulation [105 CMR 150.002(D)[8)] and 105 CMR 150.002(D)(11) requires LTC facilities and 105 CMR 158.030(L)(8) and 105 CMR 158.030(M), require Adult Day Health Programs to provide information about the risks and benefits of flu and COVID-19 vaccine and offer access to flu and COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to all personnel. All LTC facilities and Adult Day Health Programs are also required to report information to DPH documenting compliance with the vaccination requirement, in accordance with the reporting and data collection guidelines of the Commissioner (105 CMR).
For questions regarding the reporting requirements, please contact Eileen McHale at the Office of Healthcare Strategy & Planning at Eileen.McHale@mass.gov.