Senior living providers in Florida are advising their residents, particularly those with underlying health conditions, to consult their own doctors before making a decision about COVID-19 vaccination, in light of state health officials advising vulnerable populations against the use of the updated mRNA vaccines.
In updated guidance released last week for COVID-19 booster shots for the fall/winter 2024-2025 season, the Florida Department of Health and the state surgeon general advised providers to prioritize non-mRNA vaccines and treatment for older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
The recommendation is similar to one State Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, provided last fall and in 2022, advocating against COVID-19 boosters for anyone aged fewer than 65 years. Florida’s recommendations run counter to federal guidelines for vaccination.
Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hosted a webinar on respiratory virus vaccination recommendations, testing and treatment guidance for long-term care providers. And the US Department of Health and Human Services is partnering with national long-term care organizations on its Risk Less. Do More. national campaign to increase awareness of, confidence in and uptake of vaccines that reduce severe illness from influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, in at-risk populations.
Senior living recommendations
The Florida Assisted Living Association recommended that older adults, particularly those with underlying health conditions, consult with their primary care physicians to make an informed decision regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
“Personalized medical advice, tailored to an individual’s health status, is essential in determining the best course of action,” a FALA spokesperson told McKnight’s Senior Living. “FALA remains committed to advocating for the health and safety of Florida’s aging population and encourages discussions between residents, resident families and designated healthcare representatives, and qualified healthcare providers to ensure that decisions are made based on individual needs and the best available medical advice.”
LeadingAge Southeast, citing goals of safety and informed consent, said that its members follow federal and state guidance while “ensuring every decision is made with the best interest of their residents in mind.”
“We encourage our member providers to engage with their residents, families and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions that are aligned with their unique circumstances and health needs,” LeadingAge Southeast Senior Director of Operations Nick Van Der Linden told McKnight’s Senior Living. “Ultimately, the choice of whether to receive the vaccine rests with each individual, and our providers will continue to support residents in accessing accurate, up-to-date information, as well as any healthcare services they choose.”
Not aligned with federal guidelines
Florida health officials listed several safety and efficacy concerns about the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, including risks for myocarditis and other cardiovascular conditions as well as an increased risk for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and autoimmune diseases. State health officials also made claims about the vaccines increasing an individual’s risk for infection after effectiveness wanes and potential “DNA integration.”
Updates to the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were approved in August by the Food and Drug Administration.
According to Evelyn Twentyman, MD, MPH, of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, vaccines for COVID-19 and influenza cut the risk of severe disease by more than half and cut the risk of hospitalization in half in all ages. In addition, she said, the COVID vaccine is the best available protection against long COVID. RSV vaccinations result in a three times lower risk for hospitalizations in older adults, according to the federal agency.
The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get an updated COVID-19 and influenza shot annually and that adults aged 75 or more years, as well as individuals aged 60 or more years who have certain risk factors — including chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes with complications or being immunocompromised — get the RSV vaccine.
“It’s ‘go’ time now to get older adult residents protected against all these viruses,” Twentyman said, adding that long-term care providers are a trusted source of information on vaccines. “Strong provider recommendations can increase resident confidence in vaccines. In making your recommendation, you can be specific, be clear, be attentive to their concerns, and if they are not receptive at first, don’t give up — try again later. Continue the conversation.”
Long-term care providers also need resources, policies and education to protect residents, staff members and visitors, CDC Medical Officer Erika Wallender, MD, MPH, said. Providers need to prepare by allocating resources and monitoring infection levels, responding to outbreaks with testing and treatment, and controlling the spread, she said.
“Current recommendations and the most current information for respiratory virus intervention is to provide the best care for residents and protect yourself,” Wallender said. “These strategies only work when we use them. It is our responsibility to provide safe, quality care for those that are in our care.”
