Failure to Offer Pneumococcal Vaccine to Eligible Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to offer the recommended pneumococcal vaccine to four out of eight residents reviewed for vaccines, despite CDC guidelines and facility policy requiring such vaccinations. Clinical record reviews showed that these residents had neither received nor refused the appropriate pneumococcal vaccine, and there was no documentation of any rationale for not offering the vaccine. The residents involved were all of advanced age, as indicated by their dates of birth, and their electronic health records did not reflect any action regarding the pneumococcal vaccine. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the issue was not addressed by physicians, and there was no explanation for why the vaccine was not offered. The Assistant Director of Nursing stated that the facility's focus had been on COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, leading to the oversight. The Administrator acknowledged that staff should have used an interdisciplinary approach to identify residents eligible for vaccinations, as required by both CDC guidance and facility policy.