Failure to Re-offer COVID-19 Vaccine and Provide Ongoing Education
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide ongoing education and offer COVID-19 vaccination to a resident in accordance with CDC guidance. The resident, who had diagnoses including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia and hypercapnia, and was dependent on supplemental oxygen, was cognitively intact at the time of assessment. Upon admission, the resident declined the COVID-19 vaccine after receiving education, with documentation indicating that the resident could change their mind and receive the vaccine at a later time with updated education. However, the clinical record did not show any further offerings of the COVID-19 vaccine to the resident after the initial declination in 2023. Interviews with the Infection Preventionist and the DON confirmed that residents who refused the vaccine on admission were not subsequently re-offered the vaccine when eligible for additional doses, contrary to CDC guidance and the facility's own immunization policy.