On February 1, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that among 11,260 nursing facilities with at least one vaccination clinic conducted during the first month of the CDC Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program, only 37.5% of staff received one or more vaccine doses through the program. During the same time period, 77.8% of residents in nursing facilities received one or more vaccine doses through the program.
Residents and staff members of nursing facilities are at increased risk for COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality and have been prioritized for the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccination in the United States. The CDC recognizes that nursing facility vaccination rates need to be improved, with continued development and implementation of focused communication and outreach strategies to improve vaccination coverage.
Frequently cited reasons among healthcare workers for hesitancy in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine include:
- Perceived rapidity of vaccine development
- Inadequate information received about vaccine safety, side effects, and administration
- Skepticism regarding the clinical trials and vaccine approval processes
- A desire to delay receipt of the vaccine until they had more information about safety and effectiveness
The CDC is recommending that communication resources be developed to increase vaccine confidence among nursing facility employees. Also, the CDC is recommending that further exploration be given in the structural barriers to administering the vaccine to nursing facility employees, which include scheduling around shift work or provision of paid medical leave for possible postvaccination sides effects.
Issue:
The COVID-19 vaccine plays an important role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. It is critical as healthcare leaders that we ensure all residents, their families, and staff are educated about the COVID-19 vaccine, both the benefits and any possible side effects, prior to obtaining consent to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.
Discussion:
- Review policies and procedures addressing the COVID-19 vaccine and your Infection Control policies and procedures. The most up-to-date and accurate information available about COVID-19 and the vaccine should be incorporated into your policies. Write the policies and procedures separately from other policies, and ensure education is available for both residents and staff. Revise policies and training materials as updates are released.
- Educate staff, residents, and their families on the most up-to-date and accurate information about COVID-19 and on the importance of receiving the vaccine, as well as the potential side effects. Document that the trainings occurred, and file the signed training document in each employee’s education file.
- Periodically conduct audits of staff, residents, and their families to determine their understanding of COVID-19, the importance of receiving the vaccine, and potential side effects of the vaccine. Monitor vaccination rates and provide additional education for those who do not demonstrate an accurate understanding.
