Promoting COVID-19 Vaccine in Long-term Care Settings
Older adults (especially those ages 50 years and older, with risk increasing with older age) are more likely than younger people to get very sick if they get COVID-19. They are more likely to need hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they could die. Most COVID-19 deaths occur in people older than 65.
It is important to protect people who are disproportionately affected by COVID-19—especially residents in long-term care (LTC) settings. Strong confidence in COVID-19 vaccines leads to more people getting vaccinated.
Many LTC providers have identified strategies and partnerships to obtain and administer COVID-19 vaccines for residents and staff. These include the following:
- Working with established LTC partners and retail pharmacy partners
- Coordinating with state and local health departments
- Ensuring COVID-19 vaccine equity for LTC staff and residents
LTC providers are encouraged to consider the option that works best for their residents and staff when coordinating access to COVID-19 vaccines, either in the local community or on-site.
Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccine Access in Long-Term Care Settings.
COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective—especially against becoming seriously ill, being hospitalized and dying—and very important for older adults.
People are protected best from COVID-19 when they stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccines may be administered along with and on the same day as other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine. Administer each injection in a different injection site. For more information, see Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines.