The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory on December 14, 2023, to alert healthcare providers to low vaccination rates against influenza, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). According to the CDC, low vaccination rates, coupled with ongoing increases in national and international respiratory disease activity caused by multiple pathogens, including influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), and RSV, could lead to more severe disease and increased healthcare capacity strain in the coming weeks.
The CDC advises healthcare providers to administer influenza, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations now to patients, if recommended. Healthcare providers should recommend antiviral medications for influenza and COVID-19 for all eligible patients, especially patients at high-risk of progression to severe disease such as older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions. Healthcare providers should also counsel patients about testing and other preventive measures, including covering coughs/sneezes, staying at home when sick, improving ventilation at home or work, and washing hands to protect themselves and others against respiratory diseases.
Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV can result in severe disease, especially among unvaccinated persons. Infants, older adults, pregnant people, and people with certain underlying medical conditions remain at increased risk of severe COVID-19 and influenza disease. Infants and older adults remain at highest risk of severe RSV disease; it is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.
You can read the alert here.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
Healthcare facilities must remain vigilant against the spread of influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and other infections. Nursing homes often serve residents at great risk of severe illness and death from these diseases, and congregate care settings have an increased risk of spread of respiratory infections. A critical strategy that can be taken to help decrease the spread of influenza, COVID-19, and RSV is vaccination, along with other CDC recommendations to help reduce the transmission of the viruses.
Discussion Points
- Review your policies and procedures on infection control and influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccination. Ensure that they are updated with the latest CDC guidance.
- Train all staff on your Infection Control Plan and your policies for vaccination and prevention of respiratory illnesses. Train appropriate staff on administration of the vaccines. Offer appropriate vaccines to residents and provide related education to them and their representatives to facilitate their ability to make informed decisions. Place training documentation in each employee’s education file.
- Audit to ensure that staff are following the CDC influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccination guidance. Also audit vaccine consent and administration rates.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, LLC for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*
