Mandating COVID-19 Vaccine for Nursing Home Staff: An Ethical Obligation

As the SARS-CoV-2 Delta strain spreads across the United States, increasing the rates of COVID-19 vaccination is fundamental to protecting both residents and staff in long-term care (LTC) settings. Since the roll-out of effective COVID-19 vaccines in December 2020, more than 80% of nursing home residents have been vaccinated.1 Unfortunately, LTC settings are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, despite high vaccination rates among residents, some of whom developed breakthrough infections. Health care workers are the primary vectors that introduce SARS-CoV-2, including the Delta strain, into their workplace.