How to Increase Immunization Rates Among Residents and Staff

October 1, 2020
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Data shows that health care workers in long-term care (LTC) settings have the lowest vaccination rate of all care settings. This is of particular concern during the current pandemic, when the dual challenges of COVID-19 and influenza could put residents, staff, and others at greater risk for illness or even death. In their AMDA webinar on October 7, Immunizations in Long-Term Care: Understanding the Science and Implementing the Recommendations , Barbara Resnick, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, and Stefan Gravenstein, MD, MPH, will address some of the reasons for these lower numbers and offer ways to improve them. They also will discuss the latest science of the effects of disease in older adults, current vaccine recommendations, the difference between enhanced and regular influenza product, and practical strategies for improving vaccination rates in this care setting.

Overcoming people’s objections to vaccines can be challenging.  “For people who are strongly opposed to vaccines, there often is nothing you can do to convince them they’re wrong,” Dr. Gravenstein says. “You can present a value proposition—explaining how getting the flu shot is as effective at preventing heart attacks or strokes as quitting smoking or taking blood pressure medications. It’s a trade-off.” Dr. Resnick adds, “You need to find out what is stopping someone from getting immunized and deal with that.” For instance, if they are concerned that they will get the flu from the shot, you can show them data to counter this. Drs. Resnick and Gravenstein will present some “tricks of the trade” for getting both staff and resident immunized.

Dr. Gravenstein notes, “You need to be deliberate and systematic about delivering vaccines.” He and Dr. Resnick suggest that facilities have a standing order on admission. For staff, he says, “Leadership can make vaccines a condition of employment at the time of hire.”

Some people have expressed concerns that if a facility requires immunizations, it will lose staff. However, Dr. Resnick says, “There is no data to suggest this is true. If you believe in your immunization policy and stand behind it, there is no evidence that you will lose a significant number of staffers.” In fact, she suggests, “This is a real opportunity for staff to do something that will protect their residents, themselves, and others.” When staff get immunized, Dr. Gravenstein adds, this also reduces the chance for a facility-wide outbreak.

The flu vaccine “has been around for a long time,” Dr. Resnick stresses. “While no vaccine is 100% effective, the flu immunization has a chance to decrease the disease and make a difference in the life of the person who gets it and everyone around them.” She adds that this will also be true of a vaccine for COVID-19 when one is fully tested and approved.

While LTC is behind the curve on getting workers immunized for the flu, Dr. Resnick observes, “We have made progress. The percentage of immunizations among staff has improved, but the rates aren’t where they should be. The real area we need to focus on is assisted living, where there are fewer regulations and variations from state to state.”

As always, this webinar is free for AMDA members. Click here for more information or to register.