This letter outlines the requirements for nursing homes and other healthcare facilities to provide influenza and pneumococcal immunizations to residents. Facilities must develop policies and procedures to ensure that residents or their representatives are educated on the benefits and potential side effects of the immunizations, that residents are offered immunizations between October and March, and that the resident's medical record includes documentation of the information/education provided and the administration or refusal of the immunizations. Facilities must also collaborate with the medical director to develop resident care policies for immunizations that reflect current standards of practice and include orders for the immunizations, review of the resident's immunization status, and how pertinent information and education will be provided to residents or their representatives. Nursing homes and healthcare facilities must take the necessary steps to ensure that their policies and procedures meet the requirements outlined in this letter.

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