More than 4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been distributed for use in long-term care settings for residents and staff, and only 22 percent have actually been administered. As of January 11, 2021, only 937, 028 residents and staff have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination per Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 data tracker.
The federal government is overseeing COVID-19 vaccinations in nursing homes through its Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. The federal government has contracted with CVS, Walgreens, and other pharmacies in most states to supply and administer the COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to long-term care residents and staff. The federal government has stated that 99 percent of the nation’s 15,600 nursing homes registered with the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program.
Recently, both CVS and Walgreens announced that they are on track to complete administration of first doses in their partnering skilled nursing facilities by January 25, 2021. Presently, there are over 4,000 clinics in nursing homes per week.
Vaccine acceptance among staff is a huge obstacle for most nursing facilities. A frequent reason that staff have been declining is that they are concerned about side effects. Many staff in nursing homes do not have sick leave or benefits, and state that they cannot afford to get sick from side effects from the vaccine. Facilities are now launching messaging campaigns to educate staff, residents, and their families on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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 our staff are educated on 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 current and accurate information available on COVID-19 and the vaccine should be incorporated into these policies. Write the policies for the vaccine as separate guidelines, with education available for both residents and staff. Revise policies as new information becomes available.
- Educate staff, residents, and their families on the most current and accurate information about COVID-19 and on the importance and benefits of being immunized, as well as the potential side effects associated with the vaccine. Document that the trainings occurred, and file signed training documents in each employee’s education file.
- Periodically audit to determine resident, staff, and family members’ understanding of COVID-19, the importance and benefits of receiving the vaccine, and potential side effects. Monitor the process of providing education, obtaining consent, and administering vaccinations.
