During some nursing home outbreaks over half of the residents have been affected. Because infection with these agents can compromise an already poor health status of the LTCF resident, control of these agents in the LTCF is also critical. In order to facilitate respiratory disease outbreak investigations and implementation of control measures, the following guidelines have been established. Annual vaccination of high risk persons and employees, volunteers, and family members in contact with those at high risk before the influenza season is the most important way of reducing the impact of influenza. A infections and are used in both prevention and treatment.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a common complication of influenza.
If the vaccination status is unknown to the facility, vaccinate the resident after obtaining appropriate consent. The physician is responsible for educating the resident or their guardian on the availability of pneumococcal vaccine and administering the vaccine to individuals who have not already been immunized with pneumococcal vaccine or referring the individual to a health care provider who will administer the vaccine. Included in this Guideline is the Vaccine Administration Record form to assist with documentation of vaccines given to LTCF residents and employees. Return to section index Section 2. These symptoms are usually caused by a rhinovirus, of which there are more than 100 recognized subtypes.