AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

February 8, 2001

AASA: 01-003

Subject:? Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccinations

Dear Nursing Home Administrator:

In conjunction with the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Medical Assistance Administration?s (DSHS) Medical Director, Dr. David R. Cundiff, we are reminding you of the importance of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for your adult residents.?

What is the nursing home?s responsibility for prevention of influenza and pneumococcal disease in its residents and staff?

Along with HCFA, CDC and MAA, we recommend a comprehensive assessment and vaccination program to reduce the risk of influenza and pneumonia outbreaks in nursing homes.? For residents, this type of program usually makes use of physician order protocols.?

An outbreak of illness may put staff at higher risk for infection as well.? Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to offer annual influenza vaccinations to your staff and, where appropriate, pneumococcal vaccination.? These vaccines will help prevent staff from possibly infecting your residents and/or losing time from work.?

We also remind you that consistent use of infection control techniques, including proper handwashing, is critical to the prevention/control of outbreaks of illness.

What documentation is important for influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations?

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 information to others in the event that a resident is hospitalized or transferred, or if an outbreak occurs.

Is a program to prevent influenza and pneumonia required by nursing home regulations?

Both federal and state regulations for infection control require that ?the nursing home must establish and maintain an effective infection control program designed?.to help prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection.?? (WAC 388-97-140(1); 42 CFR 483.65)???

What if we already have a comprehensive program in place to prevent influenza and pneumonia?

Please review your current system and evaluate it to ensure that it functions effectively, making improvements as needed.? I believe that most, if not all, nursing homes in Washington State have well-developed systems in place to ensure that influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are provided to residents.?

What should we do if we do not have a comprehensive program in place to prevent these diseases?

Please work with your medical director to plan and immediately implement a vaccination program during this season.? You also need to work on a longer term plan to have an effective system in place before the start of the 2001 influenza season.?

How are resident influenza and pneumococcal vaccines paid for?

These vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and many insurance plans.? For residents, check the policies of applicable carriers.? If you have questions about vaccine coding for Medicaid residents, contact Mary Wendt (Medical Assistance Administration). Her phone number is (360) 725-1840.

How are employee influenza and pneumococcal vaccines paid for?

Employee immunizations are a reimbursable cost.? If you have questions, contact your rates analyst.?

Where can we get more information about influenza and pneumococcal immunizations?

You can request information from the Immunization Program at Department of Health.? Their phone number is (360) 236-3568. These websites are also recommended:? ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Publications/mmwr/rr/rr4608.pdf;

ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Publications/mmwr/rr/rr4618; and ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Publications/mmwr/rr/rr4903

Who should we call if we have other questions?

Please contact your Field Manager.

In closing I want to thank you for your commitment to making influenza and pneumococcal immunization part of your facility?s infection control program.

Sincerely,

Patricia K. Lashway, Director??????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Residential Care Services

cc:? David R. Cundiff, M.D., Medical Director, Medical Assistance Administration