Immunizations in long-term care facilities: policies and practice

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

• Long-term care facilities house vulnerable populations susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Assessing current immunization policies and practices is vital for improving resident and employee health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the immunization policies and practices for residents and employees in Minnesota nursing homes.
• To identify gaps in vaccination coverage and policy implementation within long-term care settings.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey of 445 Minnesota nursing homes was conducted.
• The survey included 20 items on facility characteristics, immunization policies, practices, and attitudes.
• Follow-up mailings were used to increase response rates.

Main Results:

• While 99% of facilities had influenza vaccination programs, only 69.3% had written policies.
• Resident influenza vaccination rates were higher with written policies and standing orders.
• Vaccination rates for pneumococcal and tetanus/diphtheria were low, with few facilities having written policies.
• Employee influenza vaccination rates averaged 33%, with higher rates when vaccines were offered onsite and free.
• Few facilities integrated immunization activities into quality assurance programs.

Conclusions:

• Many long-term care facilities have insufficient policies and practices for immunizations.
• Organized immunization programs are essential for preventing illness in residents and employees.
• Proactive immunization strategies can protect vulnerable populations and prevent disease outbreaks.