UPDATED: DHS Issues Guidance for TB Testing and COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued guidance for child care providers related to regulatory compliance with Tuberculin Skin Testing (TST) requirements after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.

This article was updated on June 21 to include answers to FAQs released by OCDEL.

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DHS licensed child care facilities are required to ensure individuals receiving services and/or staff members receive a negative TST upon admission/hire and every two years thereafter.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines should not be delayed because of testing for TB infection. Testing for TB infection with one of the immune-based methods, either the TST or an interferon release assay (IGRA), can be done before or during the same encounter as COVID-19 vaccination.

However, the CDC has indicated that the two-step tuberculosis skin test should not be given within four weeks after the COVID-19 two-dose vaccination process.

Because the CDC’s guidance might impact licensees’ ability to comply with regulatory requirements the DHS has temporarily issued a limited suspension of the timing of the TST provisions. Compliance with the TST requirements will be achieved provided that the licensee, individual, or staff person meets the following:

• Consults with their physician regarding the recent administration of the COVID-19 vaccination and upcoming TST;

• Obtains documentation of the COVID-19 vaccine administration, including the date of administration or written documentation from the individual’s or staff person’s physician of the necessity to defer TST; and

• Follows physician recommendations as it relates to TST as soon as possible after completing a COVID-19 vaccine schedule.

For details, read the complete announcement by the DHS. The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) released answers to FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccine and TB testing.