The benefits of the shot — including reduced hospitalization, intensive care unit admission and death — outweigh the risk of contracting Guillain-Barre syndrome, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices decided on Thursday.
Most residents were vaccinated early, and time from vaccination plays into waning effectiveness, CDC advisers say. What’s more, this population already requires special considerations for other vaccines. The WHO, meanwhile, forecasts annual COVID-19 boosters for seniors.
Advisers to the CDC have released new clinical guidance and education regarding a rare blood clotting condition reported after vaccination.
Although the first COVID-19 vaccines may be safe, symptoms or death from unrelated causes in the vulnerable LTC population may be incorrectly associated with immunization, one adviser says.
An influential committee on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to recommend that healthcare personnel and residents in long-term care should be the very first recipients of COVID-19 vaccinations. The vote reflects a desire for maximum benefit and minimum harm, committee members said.
A new webpage provides 10 “need to know” topics regarding vaccination against COVID-19 that clinicians can relay to patients in their care.
Trial participants received two injections about three weeks apart. There were 90% fewer COVID cases in those who received the vaccine when compared to those who received a placebo.
Federal health officials touted transparency and nationwide distribution plans while keeping their eye on Phase 1 vaccine recipients, including LTC residents and workers.
One top state official has pledged that nursing home residents and staff members will be the first to receive a coronavirus vaccine, even though a federal advisory group has yet to vote on who should receive top priority.
Clinicians should pay close attention to updated details on pneumococcal, flu and other vaccinations, says physicians’ group.
