Failure to Educate and Offer Flu and Pneumococcal Vaccines to Residents
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide education and offer influenza and pneumococcal immunizations to two residents, as required by physician orders and facility policy. Clinical record reviews for both residents showed no documentation of immunization status, education, or offers of the vaccines in the preventative health care tab. Physician orders for both residents specified that high dose flu vaccines should be offered annually and pneumococcal vaccines administered unless contraindicated, but there was no evidence these actions were taken. The infection preventionist (IP) confirmed during interviews that she had not provided education or offered the pneumonia vaccine to one resident, who was past due for both pneumococcal and influenza immunizations according to the state immunization information system. For the second resident, the IP stated she was waiting for the resident's confusion to clear before asking about immunizations, despite the family being responsible for care decisions. The family had not been contacted regarding immunization education or consent, even though they were involved in other care decisions. Facility policy required documentation of historical vaccinations, tracking of immunizations, and ensuring timely administration and documentation of consents or refusals. The CDC's Adult Immunization Standards emphasize the importance of assessing immunization status, providing education, making clear recommendations, and documenting vaccines. The facility failed to meet these standards for the two residents reviewed.