As caregivers in assisted living facilities, group homes and independent living facilities, you play a vital role in safeguarding the health of those you care for. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in preventing serious illness, particularly in older adults and those with chronic health conditions.
This flu season, which comes with rising concerns about RSV and COVID-19, is an important time to protect your residents and ensure they are vaccinated. Here’s why these vaccines matter and how our on-site flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccine clinics can help.
Flu Vaccines: It’s Not Too Late
Influenza is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, particularly in older adults. The good news? It’s not too late to get the flu vaccine for this season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the more people vaccinated, the more the community is protected from flu outbreaks. A vaccinated facility helps keep residents safe, reduces hospitalizations and ensures peace of mind for caregivers and families alike.
RSV: A Serious Threat to Older Adults
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is not just a childhood illness—it poses significant risks to older adults, particularly those with chronic health conditions. A single dose of the RSV vaccine can reduce the risk of severe infection and hospitalization.
The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for all adults ages 75 and older and adults ages 60–74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV.
Factors for increased risk include:
- Chronic cardiovascular or respiratory conditions (e.g., heart failure, COPD)
- Diabetes with complications
- Neurologic or muscular conditions affecting airway clearance
- Severe obesity
- Compromised immune system
COVID-19: Updated Protection Matters
The 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is specifically designed to protect against the latest circulating strains. The CDC recommends a second dose of 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 years and older and for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
Immunity from previous vaccinations or infections wanes over time, so staying up to date is crucial, especially for:
- Residents 65 years and older
- Those at high risk for severe COVID-19
- Long-term care facility residents
- Individuals who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine
How We Can Help
Our pharmacy team is committed to making vaccinations as convenient as possible for your facility. We offer on-site vaccination clinics for flu, RSV and COVID-19, bringing expert care directly to your residents.
Contact us today to schedule a vaccination clinic or to learn more about protecting your residents with these critical vaccines.