As the number of new cases and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 begin to diminish in Michigan, both Pfizer and Moderna have launched trials for vaccines targeting the omicron variant of the coronavirus. The variant is estimated to make up 99% of the current cases in the United States.
The MHA continues to keep members apprised of pandemic-related developments affecting hospitals through email updates and the MHA Coronavirus webpage. Important updates are outlined below.
CMS Vaccine Requirement for Healthcare Workers Began Jan. 27
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirement that healthcare workers be vaccinated against COVID-19 took effect Jan. 27. Employees are required to have received a first dose by that date and a second dose — if getting a two-dose vaccine — by Feb. 28.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a letter to all providers detailing the requirements of the CMS rule and provided implementation tools for providers to execute the policy internally. These include FAQs, education materials and more. MHA members are encouraged to use these tools as necessary to comply with the mandate.
Additional information on the COVID-19 pandemic is available to members on the MHA Community Site and the MHA COVID-19 webpage. Questions on COVID-19 and infectious disease response strategies may be directed to the MDHHS Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC).