Transcript
Flu Vaccination
Ayasha Thomason
Hi, I’m Ayasha Thomason, and today I have a special guest, Cindy Shaw, who’s our director of clinical management. And today we’re going to talk about flu vaccine. Okay, Cindy, can you give us just the basic guidelines on flu shots this year?
Cindy Shaw
Yes. CDC recommends that you have your flu shot, especially people that are at risk. So that would mean anybody who was an infant, anyone with an immune problem that increases their risk of having an infection and obtaining the flu. And, of course, anyone over 65 is an increased risk.
Ayasha Thomason
Well, that brings me to my next question. So how would you recommend flu shots be given this year to our nursing home residents?
Cindy Shaw
Immunize everybody! Unless there’s a contraindication, everyone should receive the flu vaccine.
Ayasha Thomason
Cindy, can you tell us specifically our nursing home residents that have had COVID? How do we want to do their flu vaccines this year?
Cindy Shaw
If somebody has COVID-19 and are asymptomatic, they should not receive the vaccine. They should be quarantined or isolated for the 20 days, and then on day 21, if they’re April, they can receive the vaccine. If somebody is symptomatic with COVID of course, you want to defer that vaccine also until day 21 and 24 hours April without an antipyretic.
Ayasha Thomason
So even if you don’t have symptoms symptoms, do you have to wait to take the flu vaccine?
Cindy Shaw
Yes. If you test positive for COVID-19, the vaccinations should be deferred until day 21.
Ayasha Thomason
Okay. Cindy, tell us when the nursing home residents should receive their vaccines.
Cindy Shaw
Residents in longterm care facilities should receive the vaccine beginning in October. So the vaccine is available right now. It’s important for the facility to understand when the resident last had their vaccine, since there may be a pay issue with Medicare. So it has to be at least one year since their last vaccination.
Ayasha Thomason
Cindy, this has been very helpful. I appreciate you having you on today. I hope we get to see you again.
Cindy Shaw
You’re welcome.
