WASHINGTON—As the nation prepares for the impending cold and flu season and new COVID-19 booster shots are about to be rolled out, long-term care facilities nationwide are taking steps to ensure the health and well-being of their residents and staff. The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) representing more than 14,000 long-term care (LTC) facilities across the country, released its 2023 #GetVaccinated Toolkit, a comprehensive set of resources designed to equip providers with the tools and information needed to promote and facilitate critical vaccinations among residents and staff this fall and winter.
“Long-term care providers are making every effort to encourage residents and staff to roll up their sleeves,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “We remain focused on ramping up those education efforts this fall and partnering with administration officials and other stakeholders to streamline access to vaccines.”
The arrival of the cold and flu season underscores the importance of everyone getting their annual fall vaccinations, but especially individuals residing and working in long-term care facilities. COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are commonly spread, especially in the fall and winter. Older adults and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from these viruses. Vaccination remains one of the most effective, safest ways to build immunity and prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death.
The 2023 #GetVaccinated Toolkit is a comprehensive resource curated to empower long term care providers in their mission to encourage and facilitate vaccinations among their residents and staff. This toolkit includes:
- A checklist for providers with suggested best practices in order to prepare for fall vaccination season;
- Poster graphics to raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated;
- Pre-crafted social media posts and graphics;
- Template letters to residents and family members; and
- In-depth resources for providers about recommended vaccines for residents and staff, documenting vaccines, frequently asked questions and more.
As of August 27, 2023, nearly two-thirds of nursing home residents were up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. This means nursing home residents are more than three times as likely to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations compared to the public. Facilities typically work with a LTC pharmacy to supply and sometimes administer vaccines to residents and staff. Meanwhile, long term care facilities continue to follow infection prevention and control, testing, and masking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Visit GetVaccinated.us to access the 2023 #GetVaccinated Toolkit.
