The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has released a
Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory to address preparedness for the 2026–27 respiratory season. The purpose of this advisory is to provide information and recommendations for facilities before and during a respiratory virus outbreak.
In addition to guidance on vaccination, reporting, and outbreak monitoring, the HAN advisory also serves as a reminder that long-term care facilities should utilize the
Respiratory Virus Outbreak Toolkit. The toolkit covers many respiratory viruses including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, adenovirus, and more. Members are encouraged to visit the
Respiratory Viruses – Long-Term Care Facilities web page for the most up-to-date information.
Under Pennsylvania disease reporting law (Chapter 27), health care facilities, which includes Personal Care Homes (PCHs) and Assisted Living Residences (ALRs), are required to report outbreaks to the DOH within 24 hours. If you have any questions about whether you are experiencing an outbreak, please visit DOH’s
State Health Centers page to determine page to determine whether your facility is within a local health department’s jurisdiction. Contact information for the state health centers, city health departments, and county health departments is listed there. Assistance with questions and outbreaks is available from your respective health department.
As a reminder, all PCHs and ALRs must ensure they are posting the current
Influenza Awareness Act Poster in a conspicuous and public place. Questions related to this information should be submitted
here.
