Vaccination Uptake Hampered by Vaccine Hesitancy (SNF/AL)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released two reports on vaccination coverage and treatment for respiratory viruses. The agency found that vaccine fatigue, inaccurate health information and vaccine hesitancy contributed to lower vaccination rates in older adults.
According to the CDC, uptake of the updated COVID-19 vaccine is approximately 36% for skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents nationwide, compared with the national average of 19% among all adults. In Michigan, the SNF resident vaccination rate is only 31%, with staff rates at 5.5%. While specific statistics are not available for assisted living settings, the numbers are generally thought to loosely align with the surrounding community rates for residents.
AHCA/NCAL created a #GetVaccinated website last year with resources for providers to secure and administer vaccines on site, as well as a toolkit of promotional materials to empower LTC providers in their mission to encourage and facilitate vaccinations among residents and staff.
In addition, Superior Health Quality Alliance also created complimentary Vaccine Educational Posters to help educate and dispel misinformation regarding vaccinations: