AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
2005 BH "Dear Provider" Letters
December 12, 2005
ADSA: BH #2005-019
Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccinations
Dear Boarding Home Provider:
Although it is late in the year to remind you that it is time for residents and staff to receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, we have received public expressions of concern that long term care facilities have not been providing the opportunity for residents to be vaccinated. We encourage you to plan early each year for how you can protect your residents and staff.
Influenza (flu) epidemics, responsible for nearly 20,000 deaths annually, occur nearly every year in the United States. Pneumococcal disease is responsible for more deaths than any other vaccine-preventable bacterial disease. Influenza and pneumonia combined represent the fifth leading cause of death in the elderly.
Who should receive the influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations?
These vaccinations are recommended for persons aged 65 years and older and for persons of any age who have medical conditions that place them at high risk for complications from influenza. Long term care residents, because of their age and underlying health conditions, are especially vulnerable to influenza and pneumococcal disease. Influenza in boarding homes may spread quickly.
An outbreak of illness may put staff at higher risk as well. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to facilitate annual influenza vaccinations for your staff and where appropriate, pneumococcal vaccination. These immunizations will help prevent staff from possibly infecting your residents and/or losing time from work.
When should boarding home residents receive influenza vaccinations?
The influenza vaccine should be administered annually, usually before the beginning of the flu season. October and November are the ideal months for residents to receive the annual flu vaccination; however it can be given later. It can also be given in September if vaccine is available.
When should boarding home residents receive pneumococcal vaccinations?
The pneumococcal vaccine is generally once-in-a-lifetime or given several years apart, depending on what is appropriate for the individual.
How do I facilitate residents and staff getting the vaccinations that they need?
You can work with residents/families and staff to access local resources that provide the immunizations. Resources include the attending physician’s office and the local health department. Pharmacies, including those located within large food markets, may also offer this service. Licensed nurses and pharmacists who have been certified for vaccine administration may give these vaccines with a physician’s order.
How else can I help prevent/control influenza or pneumococcal outbreaks?
Remind staff to consistently use good infection control techniques, including proper hand washing. You should also learn more about prevention and control of these diseases. Suggested sources of information:
- www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize - Immunization Program, Department of Health
- www.cdc/gov - Centers for Disease Control Home Page
- ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Publications/mmwr/rr/rr4903.pdf - Prevention and Control of Influenza
- ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Publications/mmwr/rr/rr4608.pdf - Prevention of Pneumococcal Disease
What documentation is important for influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations?
We suggest that you keep a record of the immunizations that your residents receive. This enables you to track the vaccination status of your residents and provides important medical history in the event that a resident is hospitalized or transferred, or if an outbreak occurs.
How are influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations paid for?
These vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and many insurance plans for residents. Check the policies of applicable carriers. When there are Medicaid residents in the facility, staff immunization is covered in the facility rate.
Who should I call if residents or staff are diagnosed with the flu?
Call your local health department for flu diagnoses. The local health department generally calls the department’s complaint hotline at 1-800-562-6078 to report the outbreak.
Who should I call if I have questions?
If you have questions about influenza or pneumococcal vaccinations, please contact your local health department. If your questions are related to infection control regulations please call your RCS Field Manager.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the boarding home residents in the state of Washington.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services
