WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, announced its 2024-2025 #GetVaccinated toolkit for providers in preparation for the respiratory virus season this fall and winter. Additionally, AHCA/NCAL is partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) new national campaign—Risk Less. Do More.—to raise awareness of the latest vaccines for influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
“Long term care providers are committed to doing everything they can to encourage residents and staff to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO, AHCA/NCAL. “Every fall and winter respiratory virus season brings a renewed focus on the importance of getting our residents and caregivers immunized. Our #GetVaccinated resources and new partnership with HHS’ Risk Less. Do More. campaign reinforces the long term care sector’s commitment to vaccination efforts and all that we are doing to protect our residents’ health and wellbeing.”
The campaign complements proactive measures already being undertaken by long term care providers by offering new resources to encourage residents and caregivers to stay up to date with their immunizations. The campaign’s website, GetVaccinated.us, has tools and information to promote vaccinations this fall and winter. Resources include:
- A checklist for providers with suggested best practices in order to prepare for fall and winter vaccination season;
- Fact sheets for residents, families and staff;
- In-depth resources for providers about vaccine administration, reimbursement policies, documenting vaccines, frequently asked questions, and more.
“Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the updated COVID vaccines, long term care providers are working with their long term care pharmacies to order vaccines and schedule clinics,” added David Gifford, M.D., M.P.H., chief medical officer, AHCA/NCAL. “To increase confidence in and uptake of vaccines, public health officials and health care providers across all settings must work together, which is why we’re proud to partner with HHS on the Risk Less. Do More. campaign. We encourage nursing home and other long term care providers to use the resources available to continue their proactive vaccination efforts.”
“HHS is proud to partner with AHCA/NCAL. The activities and events we will be collaborating on will help the campaign reach people across the country,” said May Malik, deputy assistant secretary for Public Affairs for Public Education at HHS. “As we know, vaccines are our best defense against flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Our goal with this partnership is to provide accurate and timely information so that the American people can make informed decisions about getting vaccinated this fall and winter.”
Through #GetVaccinated and other education efforts, COVID-19 vaccination rates among nursing home residents have been comparable to older adults in the general population. AHCA/NCAL and its members are committed to continuous education about the importance of the vaccines. The #GetVaccinated campaign is also supported by Moderna, which will help in the development of campaign materials and promotion to long term care professionals on social media.
Note: AHCA/NCAL does not endorse a specific vaccine or vaccine maker unless there is demonstrable evidence it is more effective at protecting residents and staff members.