Failure to Ensure Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunizations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper administration of influenza and pneumococcal immunizations for two residents as required by CDC guidelines and federal regulations. For one resident, clinical record review showed that although she had provided informed consent for the influenza vaccine for the current season, there was no evidence in her medical record that she received the vaccine. Staff documented that she was not eligible for the vaccine because she had received it previously, but the record only showed administration for the prior season, not the current one. Interviews with the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the absence of documentation or evidence that the resident received the influenza vaccine for the current season, despite being eligible and having consented. For another resident, review of immunization records revealed that she had received two doses of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax 23) prior to admission, but there was no evidence that she had ever received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), as recommended by the CDC for adults of her age group. This finding was confirmed by interviews with the Nursing Home Administrator and the Director of Nursing. The lack of documentation and administration of the recommended vaccines for both residents constituted a failure to comply with immunization requirements.