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As more Americans receive the COVID-19 vaccination, there has been hope that more will be able to visit loved ones in nursing homes. However, a report by the Center for Disease Control found that as of mid-March, only half of the country’s long-term care facility workers have been vaccinated by the federal government. In some states, nearly two-thirds have refused the opportunity to get the vaccine. As availability winds down and responsibility shifts to local and state governments, many who hoped to see those living in facilities responsible for over a third of the coronavirus deaths in America since last March might have to wait longer.
Despite working with the most at-risk citizens during the pandemic, nursing home workers are historically reticent to vaccines, such as flu shots. Areas of concern include getting the doses first among a family or peer group without knowing what to expect, and historic distrust of federally directed public health projects. Programs have been offered through national pharmacy brands to vaccinate staffers, to varying degrees of success. While workers may be receiving vaccines on their own, there is no way to track the inoculation rates or provide that to concerned stakeholders. The American Health Care Association, which represents about 14,000 LTC facilities, set a goal in February to vaccinate 75 percent of the country’s workers in their locations, by June 30. However, spreads can slow or reverse efforts to re-open facilities to visitors.
Long-term care facilities are charged with taking care of our loved ones and the most vulnerable. Sometimes, they fall short of expectations. With all the questions surrounding care and managing the coronavirus pandemic, it helps to have experience in your corner. The nursing home abuse and neglect team at East Coast Trial Lawyers can give you guidance and confidence by advocating your claim through the complex system. Call today at 757-352-2237 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. Based in Virginia Beach, we are pleased to serve our neighbors in Chesapeake, Eastern Shore, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, as well as North Carolina and nationwide.
