AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
2006 NH "Dear Administrator" Letters
September 7, 2006
ADSA: NH #2006-022
Flu and Pneumonia Shot Reminders
Dear Nursing Facility/Home Administrator:
Flu and pneumonia season is quickly approaching. Residential Care Services is partnering with the Department of Health Immunization Program CHILD Profile to remind providers about the benefits of resident and employee immunization. In addition, you must meet the federal and state requirements related to flu and pneumonia shots. We encourage you to plan now for how you can protect your residents and staff against these potentially serious diseases.
Over 50 percent of hospitalizations and 90 percent of flu-related deaths occur among adults over age 65 years. Pneumonia kills more people every year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. These shots can decrease the rate of hospitalizations and deaths, as well as improve your residents’ quality of life. Please see the attached fact sheet and resources for valuable information on flu and pneumonia shots.
Thank you for your continued commitment to nursing home residents in the state of Washington.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell,
Residential Care Services
Department of Social and Health Services
Director Janna Bardi, MPH
Immunization Program
CHILD Profile Manager
Washington State Department of Health
