Federal Public Health Information and Advocacy

Federal agencies regularly issue guidance and regulations concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and related health care issues. The CAP engages with the federal government and Congress on related public health policies through its mission of serving patients and the public by advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine. Review and click on the latest information below from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other regulatory bodies. Many state, city, and other local municipalities may have additional guidance for the public to follow in their own communities.

Testing Guidance

Updated January 21, 2022: The CDC recommends people who have symptoms of COVID-19 or who have had known close contact to someone with COVID-19 should be tested.

Go to the CDC’s website for information on testing strategies for SARS-CoV-2, antibody testing guidelines, pooling testing, and more.

Vaccine Guidance

Updated January 3, 2022: The FDA expanded eligibility for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to include booster doses for 12 years of age and older. Previously, the FDA amended emergency use authorizations for Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines by authorizing use of single booster doses for all individuals 18 years of age and older. The FDA also expanded emergency use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include children ages 5 through 11 years old. Additional guidance for the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine is also available from the FDA.

Public Health Recommendations

Updated January 16, 2022: The CDC recommends that individuals get vaccinated and stay up to date:

• Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.
• Fully vaccinated means a person has received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.

CAP Statements and Letters

• CAP Statement Against Misleading COVID-19 Information (September 7, 2021)
• CAP Supports Vaccine Requirements for Physicians and Other Health Care Professionals Caring for Patients (August 18, 2021)
• The COVID Vaccine: Building Trust in the Black Community (April 2, 2021)
• CAP Supports House Committee’s $46 Billion Fund for COVID-19 Testing and Supplies (February 11, 2021)
• CAP Statement on the Release of the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response, Pandemic Preparedness (January 21, 2021)
• CAP Statement on Executive Actions Concerning COVID-19 Tests (January 21, 2021)
• Prioritizing the COVID-19 Vaccine to Protect Patient Access to Diagnostics (December 17, 2020)
• CAP Statement on the Current Role of Serologic Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (May 13, 2020)