Failure to Offer and Document Pneumococcal Vaccinations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were offered, screened, educated, and received pneumococcal vaccinations as required. Record reviews for five residents revealed no documentation of pneumococcal vaccination, consent or declination, or education provided regarding the vaccine. These residents had various medical conditions, including fractures, hemiplegia, vascular dementia, diabetes, quadriplegia, and infections, and were admitted to the facility at different times. The absence of documentation affected all five residents reviewed for vaccinations, with the potential to impact all residents in the facility except those specifically identified as not eligible for the vaccine. Interviews with the DON and Regional Nurse Consultant confirmed that pneumococcal vaccines were not offered to residents, as the focus had been on influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations during the fall. The DON acknowledged awareness of the requirement to offer pneumococcal vaccines and indicated it would be prioritized in the future. Review of CDC guidance confirmed the recommendation for pneumococcal vaccination for adults 50 years or older and those at increased risk, emphasizing the need to follow the recommended immunization schedule.