Despite Availability Of Vaccine, 62% Of Nursing Home Workers Have Not Yet Gotten First Shot

Topline

Though numerous states previously reported difficulties in vaccinating nursing home workers, data released Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals for the first time the scope of the trend nationwide, as just 38% of nursing home staff across the country accepted shots.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote 

Nonetheless, the number is a cause for concern, Dr. Radhika Gharpure, the lead author of the study and a member of the CDC’s Vaccine Task Force told USA Today. “These findings show we have a lot of work to do to increase confidence and also really understand the barriers to vaccination amongst this population,” said Gharpure. 

Surprising Fact 

There is enough excess vaccine that Gharpure said the nursing home inoculation program has been instructed to deliver doses back to the states. 

Key Background 

Long-term care facility workers have been prioritized for the Covid-19 vaccine due to the massive toll the pandemic has taken on nursing homes. Despite making up just 1% of the U.S. population, those who live in long-term care facilities have comprised around 36% of coronavirus deaths, according to data from The Atlantic’s COVID Tracking Project. Nonetheless, some states have struggled with inoculating these vulnerable populations since the first vaccine doses were doled out in late December, with experts citing online misinformation and a historical distrust in the medical system. 

Further Reading 

“Large Number Of Health Care And Frontline Workers Are Refusing Covid-19 Vaccine” (Forbes)

“Multiple States Report Nursing Home Staff Reluctant To Take Vaccine” (Forbes)

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