Updated Reporting Requirements for COVID-19 Test Results
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently released updated guidance for reporting results of SARS-CoV-2 test results.
- The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is making changes to required reporting based on this guidance.
- All polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results should continue to be reported to Pennsylvania’s National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (PA-NEDSS).
- For antigen tests and tests performed at point-of-care (POC), only POSITIVE test results should be reported.
- Do not report any COVID-19 antibody test results, whether positive, negative, or inconclusive.
- These changes should help reduce the reporting burden on providers and laboratories.
- These changes should be instituted as soon after 4/4/2022 as possible.
- If you have any questions, please call DOH at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) or your local health department.
Update to Recommendations Regarding COVID-19 Booster Vaccination
This transmission is a “Health Update,” and provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.
SUMMARY
- Guidance released on March 30, 2022 from the CDC updates COVID-19 booster vaccination guidance and allows for a second booster dose of an mRNA vaccine for certain populations.
- The dose of the second booster dose of the mRNA vaccines is the same as the first booster dose.
- Moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals 12 years of age and older may choose to receive an additional booster dose of an mRNA vaccine at least 4 months after the first booster dose.
- Patients 50 years of age and older may choose to receive an additional booster dose of an mRNA vaccine at least 4 months after the first booster dose.
- All patients who received the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine as their primary series and booster dose may receive an additional booster dose of an mRNA vaccine at least 4 months after the first Janssen booster dose.
- If you have any questions, please call PA DOH at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) or your local health department.