Failure to Provide Vaccine Education Prior to Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that one of five sampled residents received education regarding the risks and benefits of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines prior to their administration. According to interviews and record reviews, the resident received the influenza vaccine on 9/23/24 and the pneumococcal vaccine on 9/26/24, but there was no documented evidence that education about the vaccines was provided beforehand. The Infection Preventionist confirmed that education was not documented and acknowledged the importance of informing residents about the side effects and benefits of the vaccines. The facility's own policy required informed consent through discussion of risks and benefits prior to vaccination, but this was not followed in this instance.