Failure to Offer Updated Pneumococcal Vaccines per CDC Guidelines
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that one of five sampled residents was offered or provided updated pneumococcal vaccinations in accordance with current CDC recommendations. Review of the resident's immunization record showed she had previously received PPSV-23 and PCV-13 vaccines, but there was no evidence she was offered the newer PCV20 or PCV21 vaccines upon admission, as recommended for adults 65 years or older. During an interview, the DON stated that staff relied solely on the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) for recommendations, and if no recommendations were listed, no vaccines were offered. The DON acknowledged that their process was not up to date, as the MIIC did not always reflect current CDC guidelines, and agreed that the resident should have been offered the updated vaccines. No policy regarding this process was provided during the survey.