As COVID Surges, Only 40% Of Nursing Home Residents Have Received Their Latest COVID Vaccine

Are nursing homes dropping the ball again when it comes to COVID? It seems like no one is taking COVID seriously anymore, but the virus continues to claim lives even as we know more about it, how it functions, and have medications prepared for it.

COVID tends to surge over the summer and nursing homes are a prime epicenter for an outbreak. Many folks are troubled by the possibility that their nursing home could experience a summer COVID surge just like last year. The humidity, the heat, and the mugginess create breathing issues that amplify the risk of the virus.

Between the complex medical needs of nursing home patients and their close proximity to one another, the virus still poses a grave threat to America’s 15,000 nursing homes and the 1.2 million residents who live in them.

Despite the grave risk posed by the virus, an April report found that just four of ten nursing home residents in the U.S. have received their most recent COVID vaccine. The study was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC report also revealed that during January’s COVID peak, nursing home residents were 8 times more likely to find themselves in the hospital than the general population of adults aged 70 and over.

Why are vaccinations so low?

Part of the reason for the low vaccination rate is that the federal government is no longer paying for the administration of the shots, one doctor noted. While the vaccine is still free for patients, clinicians are required to bill each person’s insurance company separately. That makes vaccinating an entire nursing home logistically complex.

Another major problem? Skepticism concerning the vaccine itself remains high, particularly among the older community. “The long-term care population is a microcosm of what’s happening across the country, and unfortunately, COVID vaccine reluctance remains persistent throughout the general public. It’s our most significant challenge,” said Dr. David Gifford, chief medical officer for AHCA/NCAL, which represents both nonprofit and for-profit nursing homes.

Indications are good that building trust in relationships between doctors and patients improves the rate of COVID vaccinations. That includes one-on-one conversations with trusted doctors who educate nursing home residents on the virus and vaccine. Many facilities aren’t doing this and it’s resulting in very low vaccination rates.

Meanwhile, a study from the Journal of Health Economics estimates that from the start of the pandemic through August 15, 2021, 21% of all COVID deaths in the U.S. were among nursing home residents.

The alarmingly low rate of COVID vaccinations may be an indictment of the industry itself. Residents complain of poor food quality and a general apathy among staffers. Nursing homes with high rates of turnover are among those least likely to have a vaccinated population.

Talk to a Virginia Beach, VA Elder Law Attorney Today

The Law Office of Angela N. Manz represents the interests of those seeking long-term care solutions or those seeking to solidify their estate plan. Call our Virginia Beach estate planning lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your goals immediately.

Source:

npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/07/03/nx-s1-5021811/peak-covid-vaccine-nursing-home-patients-low-rate-fewer-than-half-summer-surge