As summer transitions to fall and kids return to school we know that the spread of respiratory viruses increases. It's a good time for long term and post-acute care providers to make preparations for the upcoming respiratory virus season. With the triple threat of influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), looming as schools start and fall arrives, early and thorough preparation is essential to protect your residents and staff. Below is a checklist to guide your readiness efforts, with key recommendations based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for long term care settings.
1. Review and Replenish Vaccine Supplies
- Pre-Order Vaccines:
- Contact your long-term care (LTC) pharmacy or vaccine supplier to ensure sufficient vaccine availability.
- Ask your pharmacist about timing for the new COVID-19 vaccine
- Discuss how to order additional vaccines later if needed.
- Verify Storage Requirements:
- Confirm storage conditions with your pharmacy or supplier.
- Ensure COVID-19 vaccines are supplied in single-dose preparations for LTC.
- Plan for Co-administration:
- Consider offering multiple vaccines during a single visit, particularly for residents with limited mobility or staff attending a vaccine clinic.
2. Promote Vaccination to Staff and Residents
- Raise Awareness:
- Communicate the importance of early vaccination to residents, staff, and visitors.
- Utilize #GetVaccinated resources like posters, template letters, and social media graphics.
- Check out the resources from HHS’ new “Risk Less, Do More” campaign.
- Meet CMS Requirements:
- CMS requires that nursing home residents are offered the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, and staff are offered the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Distribute Vaccine Information Statements (VIS):
- Adopt Standing Orders:
- Implement standing orders for flu and pneumonia vaccines to streamline the consent process and increase vaccine uptake.
- Consult your medical director if standing orders are not yet in place.
3. Begin Vaccinations Early
- Schedule Vaccination Clinics:
- Organize clinics as soon as possible to ensure early protection against viruses.
- Document and Report:
- Follow CMS and state guidelines for proper documentation and reporting of vaccinations.
4. Educate and Train Staff
- Conduct Refresher Training:
- Ensure all staff are updated on infection control practices, including the use of PPE and CDC protocols for managing respiratory illnesses.
- Emphasize the importance of IPC practices and address any barriers staff may face.
- Reinforce Symptom Management:
- Remind staff to stay home if they exhibit respiratory symptoms.
- Ensure symptomatic staff wear masks around residents to reduce the spread of viruses.
- Join the National Infection Preventionist Forum (NIPF):
- Encourage participation in the NIPF for sharing lessons, accessing resources, and getting answers to infection prevention questions.
- Update Treatment Protocols:
- Familiarize caregivers with the latest CDC guidance on treatment options for flu and COVID-19, including antivirals and monoclonal antibodies.
5. Enhance Surveillance and Reporting
- Implement Active Monitoring:
- Monitor residents and staff closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory illness to detect outbreaks early, following CDC guidance.
- Conduct Testing:
- Use rapid tests for staff and residents who show symptoms to guide response and treatment, following CDC guidance.
- Obtain rapid COVID-19 tests free through the HHS Abbot BinaxNOW program.
- Enforce Source Control:
- Encourage symptomatic staff and residents to wear masks to reduce virus transmission, following CDC guidance.
6. Stay Informed
- Follow CDC Guidelines:
- Keep up to date with CDC and local health department guidelines, as recommendations may change with new variants.
- Leverage GetVaccinated Resources:
- Utilize the #GetVaccinated campaign for the latest information, toolkits, and best practices specific to long term care settings.
7. Communicate with Families
- Keep Families Informed:
- Regularly update families on your facility’s vaccination plans and visitor policies to build trust and encourage cooperation.
- Promote Visitor Vaccination:
- Encourage family members and other visitors to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of introducing viruses into your facility.
By taking these proactive steps now, you can significantly reduce the impact of respiratory viruses in your facility this winter. For more detailed information and resources, visit #GetVaccinated.