AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
February 8, 2001
AASA: AFH 2001-006Subject:? Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccinations
Dear Adult Family Home Provider:
In conjunction with the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Medical Assistance Administration?s (MAA/DSHS) Medical Director, Dr. David R. Cundiff, we are encouraging you to facilitate influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations for your adult residents.
Influenza epidemics occur nearly every year and are responsible for approximately 20,000 deaths per year in the United States.? Pneumococcal disease is responsible for more deaths than any other vaccine-preventable bacterial disease.? Influenza and pneumonia combined represent the fifth leading cause of death in the elderly.
Who should receive the influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations?
These vaccinations are recommended for persons aged 65 years and older and for persons of any
age who have medical conditions that place them at high risk for complications from influenza.? Long term care residents, because of their age and underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable to influenza and pneumococcal disease.? Influenza in adult family homes or boarding homes may spread quickly.
An outbreak of illness may put staff at higher risk as well.? Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to facilitate annual influenza vaccinations for your staff and where appropriate, pneumococcal vaccination.? These vaccinations will help prevent staff from possibly infecting your residents and/or losing time from work.
How do I facilitate residents and staff getting the vaccinations that they need?
You can work with residents/families and staff to access local resources that provide the immunications.? Resources include the attending physician?s office and the local health department.? Pharmacies, including those located within large food markets, may also offer this service.? Licensed nurses and pharmacists, who have been certified for vaccine administration, may give these vaccines with a physician?s order.
How else can I help prevent/control pneumococcal or influenza outbreaks?
Remind staff to consistently use good infection control techniques, including proper handwashing.
When are these vaccinations administered?
The influenza vaccine is administered annually usually prior to the onset of the influenza season.? It is not too late to administer influenza vaccine this season.? The pneumococcal vaccine is generally one-in-a-lifetime or given several years apart, depending on what is appropriate for the individual.
What documentation is important for influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations?
We suggest that you keep a record of the immunizations that your residents receive.? This enables you to track the vaccination status of your residents and provides important medical history in the event that a resident is hospitalized or transferred, or if an outbreak occurs.
How are influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations paid for?
For residents these vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B, Medicaid and many insurance plans.? For residents, check the policies of applicable carriers.? When there are Medicaid residents in the facility, staff immunization is covered in the facility rate.
Who should I call if I have questions?
If you have questions about influenza or pneumococcal vaccinations, please contact your Field Manager.
Thank you for your efforts to protect the residents in your care who are at high risk of developing vaccine-preventable infectious diseases.
Sincerely,
Patricia K. Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services
cc:? David R. Cundiff, M.D. Medical Director
Medical Assistance Administration
