Flu vaccinations for Care Providers in Long-Term Care

As we're approaching the peak of flu season, the CDC continues to raise awareness about the importance of the flu vaccination, especially for staff at long-term care institutes.

Not only are long-term care residents especially vulnerable to influenza outbreaks, but long-term care staff have the lowest vaccination coverage at 58.9% compared to other healthcare settings (hospital-based healthcare professionals have the highest compliance rate at 83.1%).

Below are resources written by the CDC intended for long-term care staff to encourage flu vaccination and reduce the spread of influenza.

Interim Guidance for Influenza Outbreak Management in Long-term care facilities.
This webpage addresses the importance of high vaccination levels among long-term care staff to prevent influenza-related illness and/or death among residents.  It also details how facilities can manage influenza outbreaks through surveillance and testing.

Influenza Update for Geriatricians and Other Clinicians caring for people 65 and older
From last year's flu season, this still-timely document details the importance of flu vaccination for adults aged 65 and older and those in long-term care facilities to stop the spread of an influenza outbreak.  It includes CDC's recommendations in managing and preventing the spread of the illness including vaccinations and anti-viral treatment.

For more information on the importance of flu vaccinations, please see CDC's Summary Recommendations for the 2013-2014 flu season.