Argentum Infection Prevention & Control Announcements

The global pandemic has amplified the importance of infection prevention and control in senior living communities, making it essential for leaders to ensure that measures are put in place to protect seniors from life-threatening illnesses. In an increasingly interconnected world, the health of our elderly population is more vulnerable than ever before and it's up to us to understand the potential risks and implement strategies that can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and reduce their severity when they do occur.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed off on newly-updated COVID-19 booster shots Thursday night, giving the final clearance shots to be administered soon after.

The Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended emergency use authorization (EUA) of molnupiravir. The oral capsule medication made by Merck is designed to treat “mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization,” says the FDA.  

Argentum's latest publication, COVID-19 Booster and Flu Vaccination Considerations for Senior Living Communities, gathers recent considerations regarding CDC recommendations on who should and may receive booster shots and when, as well as a list of planning and implementation considerations for flu and COVID-19 booster vaccine clinics and other vaccine administration for senior living communities.

Wednesday, the CDC issued a joint statement with other federal regulatory agencies on plans for an additional booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Need for a booster with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is still being evaluated.

The CDC updated its mask guidance today for people who are fully vaccinated in the general public. Guidance for healthcare professionals remains unchanged at this time. The CDC now recommends wearing a mask indoors in any of these conditions: