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 What We Know
- CDC is partnering with CVS, Walgreens, and Managed Health Care Association, Inc. to offer on-site COVID-19 vaccination services for residents and staff of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
- Three vaccination clinics are being scheduled at each nursing facility.
- At this time, neither the facility nor the residents are able to choose which vaccination is given.
- An Emergency Use Authorization Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers contains vaccine-specific information including benefits and risks, as well as potential side effects. It is to be given to the resident or their legal representative.
- Consent must be obtained. Both Walgreens and CVS have created consent forms. If a resident does not have the physical or cognitive capacity to consent, there are procedures the facility can follow to obtain oral consent from the resident’s “responsible party.”
- It is not known for sure if someone who has been vaccinated can still spread the virus. CMS has said facilities must continue to take precautions and follow the “CORE Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention” set forth in the September 17, 2020 guidance on nursing home visitation. CMS has also indicated that the September guidance will remain in place.
What Consumers and Advocates Can Do
- Be as informed as possible about the vaccination process in your/your loved one’s facility or the facilities in your area/state. Find out which pharmacy will be handling the vaccinations and what the schedule will be.
- Prior to the scheduled vaccination date:
- Encourage your/your loved one’s facility or facilities in your area/state to hold educational sessions for residents, their family, and representatives that include discussion of risks, benefits and possible side effects. Such sessions could be held by phone or video.
- Make sure you/your loved one or residents in the facilities in your area/state have received and understand information about the vaccine. Work with facility staff if not.
- Ask facility administration how residents will be cared for if a number of staff are not feeling well after the vaccination and call out sick.
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