AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

2007 BH "Dear Provider" Letters

August 31, 2007

ADSA: BH #2007-013
FLu and Pneumonia Shot Reminders

Dear Boarding Home Provider:

Flu and pneumonia season is quickly approaching. Residential Care Services is partnering with the Department of Health Immunization Program CHILD Profile to remind providers about the benefits of vaccinating residents and employees against the flu. We encourage you to start planning now for how to protect your residents and staff against this potentially serious and preventable disease.

Over 50 percent of hospitalizations and 90 percent of flu-related deaths occur among adults over age 65 years. Pneumonia kills more people every year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. The flu and pneumonia shots can decrease the rate of hospitalizations and deaths, as well as improve your residents’ quality of life. Please see the attached fact sheet and resources for valuable information on these vaccines.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the boarding home residents in the state of Washington.

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services
Department of Social and Health Services

Janna Bardi, MPH
Immunization Program
CHILD Profile Manager
Washington State Department of Health

Flu and Pneumonia Shots in Boarding Homes

Who should receive the flu and pneumonia shots?

These shots are recommended for persons aged 65 years and older (50 years and older for flu shots) and for persons of any age who have medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer that place them at high risk for complications from both flu and pneumococcal diseases.

Long-term care residents, because of their age and underlying health conditions, are especially vulnerable to flu and pneumococcal diseases. To effectively prevent outbreaks in boarding homes, all residents and staff should receive an annual flu shot. Residents should also be assessed to determine whether they need a pneumonia shot. Vaccinating staff against the flu can help prevent the spread of flu to residents and/or reduce work absences.

When should boarding home residents receive flu shots?

Residents should get a flu shot every year. Flu season in Washington usually peaks between January and March, so long term care residents can get their flu shot in October, November, and later.

When should boarding home residents receive pneumonia shots?

Flu season is a good time for residents to get their pneumonia shot. This vaccine is usually only needed once per lifetime. Some people may need a second pneumonia shot. You can find more information on pneumonia shot recommendations at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr4608.pdf.

How can I facilitate residents and staff getting the shots that they need?

You can help your residents, their families, and staff access local resources that provide flu and pneumonia shots. Ask your residents’ attending physician’s office first to see if they can provide these shots. To locate an immunization clinic in your community:

• Call your local health department. Find your local health department’s contact information at www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm.
• Check the American Lung Association Flu Clinic Locator at www.flucliniclocator.org.
• Call your local pharmacy. Licensed nurses and pharmacists who have been certified for vaccine administration may give these vaccines with a physician’s order.
• Set up a vaccine clinic at your location – see the attached resource list for immunization providers who can hold a clinic at your facility.

How else can I help prevent/control flu or pneumonia outbreaks?

Remind staff to consistently use good infection control techniques, including proper hand washing and respiratory etiquette. The list of resources provided with this letter includes information and educational materials like the “Cover Your Cough” poster which shows additional ways to reduce the spread of respiratory diseases. Visitors can also spread diseases, so it is important that they understand and practice good health manners as well.

What documentation is important for flu and pneumonia shots?

We suggest that you keep a record of the shots that your residents receive. This allows 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 flu and pneumonia shots paid for?

These shots 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 shots are covered in the facility rate. Flu vaccinations may also be available at your local pharmacy and are reimbursable by Medicaid for eligible members.

Who should I call if multiple residents or staff are diagnosed with the flu?

Call your local health department. The local health department generally calls the department’s complaint hotline at 1-800-562-6078 to report the outbreak.

Who should I call if I have questions?

Contact your local health department if you have questions about flu and pneumonia shots. If your questions are related to infection control regulations, please call your RCS Field Manager.