Many people thought nursing homes would receive the COVID-19 vaccination first, but according to USA Today, only about 16% have been distributed for use in nursing homes.
The CDC says the vaccines that have been sent out were given to residents and staff caretakers.
Alex Azar, Health and Human Services Secretary, said the above figures underestimate actual vaccinations because there’s a gap between the time shots are given to patients, and when they are recorded, the news outlet stated.
Azar blames the delay on the need for consent forms needed by residents or family members. However, he anticipates that the vaccination process will improve in speed soon.
“We will be seeing a significant ramp-up of those vaccines getting into nursing home patients,” Azar said in a Wednesday call with reporters.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is displeased with the slow-moving vaccination process. In her eyes, it’s not moving fast enough.
“This is a problem that’s happening all across the country,” she said shortly before meeting with fellow governors and the drug store chains responsible for distributing the vaccine. “None of us are happy with the way this is being executed.”
But it’s not the same for nursing home chains. Apparently, they are more satisfied with how the distribution is going.
Dr. Richard Feifer, chief medical officer of Genesis HealthCare, reported on the vaccinations of his 350 nursing home facilities are on schedule.
“The nursing home program is going pretty well at this point,” he stated.
His vaccinations for patients and staff begin on Dec. 21 and is about halfway complete.
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living oversees over 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the nation and said its initial timeline appears to be on track.
“As of right now, we are not aware of widespread issues or delays with this vaccine rollout, and if there were, we would be among the first to sound the alarm,” according to a prepared statement. “We continue to assist a minority of member providers who come to us looking for assistance or clarity, but the majority of providers tell us that their clinics have been scheduled or have already occurred and that overall, the program is running smoothly.”
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