Due to the spread of the Delta variant, COVID-19 cases have spiked all across the nation. This is especially worrying for residents and workers in long-term care. Because their environments are susceptible to the spread of infection, facilities must do what they can to limit the danger to their residents and staff. The COVID-19 vaccines are the latest resource we have in limiting the spread of the virus and preventing severe, life-threatening illness.

Nationwide, about 81 percent of long-term care residents are vaccinated. However, the percentage of vaccinated staff trails at about 58 percent. Residents and your facility depend on the support of healthy employees. Vaccination can protect you, your staff and those you serve.

COVID-19 vaccine benefits

Vaccines help create an immune system response in our bodies without having to experience infection and potential illness. Although research is ongoing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a COVID-19 vaccine can also decrease the severity of the infection and the ability of people to spread the virus.

An infection can be life-threatening to you and your residents. There is no way to know exactly how the virus will affect a person. Additionally, if or how long a person may be immune to the virus after recovering is unknown.

Vaccination does not mean precautions like wearing face masks are no longer needed. The CDC recently updated guidance and advises that fully vaccinated people wear a mask indoors in public if they live in an area of substantial or high transmission. Vaccination combined with mask-wearing and measures like consistent hand hygiene cut off opportunities for COVID-19 to find a way to thrive and spread to others.

Authorized for use

Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer- BioNTech have developed COVID-19 vaccines that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally granted approval for emergency use. To be granted emergency use authorization, the FDA must determine that the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks of the vaccine. Additionally, specific success and research criteria must be met followed by FDA evaluation of the quality and consistency of the vaccine.

We all have an important part to play in hindering COVID-19’s impact on our nation and protecting our most vulnerable citizens. The Compliance Store encourages you to learn more about vaccination and to educate yourself about the available vaccines from credible, evidence-based resources. More information about the vaccines and the distribution plan can be found on the CDC website. The Compliance Store also has resources such as vaccination policies and a vaccine consent form.

For more information, contact us online or call us at 877-582-7347.