Get Vaccinated
Empowering Providers, Residents, and Staff with Vaccine Options
12/3/2024
With winter ushering in a surge of respiratory illnesses, nursing homes and assisted living communities nationwide are working to shield residents from influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Vaccination programs continue to be a cornerstone of these efforts, reinforcing the importance of staying ahead of the evolving challenges that respiratory viruses present.
Who Needs Vaccines the Most?
In nursing homes and assisted living communities, residents are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes
from these viruses.
Flu and COVID-19 pose risks for:
- People ages 65 years and older.
- Those with certain medical conditions.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems.
RSV also presents serious risks to older adults, especially:
- People ages 75 years and older.
- Adults 60 years and older in long term care settings.
- Those with chronic health issues.
Sustaining Vaccination Efforts Throughout the Season
Although the season is well underway, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Long term care providers play a crucial role in maintaining vaccination efforts through the winter to help safeguard the health of residents and staff.
Providers can use resources from AHCA/NCAL and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to promote vaccinations, address hesitancy, and make immunization as accessible as possible. Encouraging residents to stay up-to-date on their vaccines helps minimize the severity of infections and reduces hospitalizations.
GetVaccinated.Us
Long term care providers are already doing extraordinary work to protect their residents. By continuing to promote flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations, they can further enhance these efforts.
For the latest resources and tools to support vaccination efforts, visit
GetVaccinated.us.
Risk Less. Do More.
Be sure to check out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Risk Less. Do More. campaign, which also has resources to help providers discuss vaccines with staff and residents. Find resources at
www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more.
Conversations That Build Trust
Building trust through meaningful conversations is essential to combatting vaccine reluctance. Providers can draw on insights from the AHCA/NCAL Building Trust in LTC Course, which offers practical strategies such as motivational interviewing and empathetic communication to address concerns and instill confidence in vaccines.
www.ahcancal.org/education/Pages/Building-Trust.aspx