Failure to Offer, Educate, and Administer Pneumococcal Vaccines per CDC Guidance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to offer, educate, and/or administer pneumococcal vaccines according to CDC guidance for two of five residents reviewed for immunizations. For one resident with diagnoses including COPD, type 2 diabetes with neuropathy, and a stage 4 pressure ulcer, the clinical record did not contain an order for the pneumococcal vaccine. Although a consent form was completed and education was provided, the vaccine was not administered as required. Another resident with chronic pain syndrome, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes had historical documentation of receiving pneumococcal vaccines prior to admission. However, the clinical record lacked documentation of education and a signed consent or declination form for the pneumococcal vaccination. The DON confirmed that the facility had not held a vaccine clinic with the outside provider and was uncertain about the process for administering vaccines when due between clinics. The facility policy required education, consent, and documentation for immunizations, which was not followed in these cases.