AHPA continues to follow new COVID-19 regulations, guidance and other government actions. The updates below are the latest guidance and other developments since October 18, 2021 to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

Public Health Emergency Extended for 90-Days
Xavier Becerra, the secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), has renewed the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19. This marks the 6^th PHE renewal, pushing the expiration date back until January 16^th, 2022.

Pfizer Claims COVID-19 Vaccine is 91% Effective in Kids 5-11
Pfizer released a briefing document claiming that the proposed lower-dose COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5-11 is over 90% effective. The FDA’s advisory committee will meet this week to discuss FDA authorization for Pfizer vaccine usage in younger children.

CDC Backs Booster Shots for Moderna and J&J Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended an extra shot, or booster, of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines for those over 65, at risk for severe COVID-19 complications or who work in high-risk jobs. The CDC also cleared the use of mixed boosting schedule, allowing eligible patients to receive any of the three FDA-approved COVID-19 shots as a booster.

CMS Issues Guidance to States on Medicaid and Chip Coverage for COVID-19 Treatment 
CMS issued guidance to states about the statutory requirement that states cover COVID-19-related treatment without cost-sharing in Medicaid and CHIP for many seniors, low-income adults, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities.