Healthcare staff aren’t getting their boosters
I came across some interesting information about COVID19 vaccination among residents and staff of state healthcare facilities in the US, such as nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. The data was collected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (1)
In a stunning show of no confidence, only 23% of US healthcare staff were up-to-date on COVID19 boosters as of November 27. In contrast, an average of 87% completed the initial primary series of COVID19 vaccines.
Chart 1 shows the percentage of staff who received the primary series in purple, and the percentage who were current on boosters in gold. US averages are shown in the first 2 columns in red, white and blue.
Chart 1. See Note 1 for the source of this data.
This dramatic reduction in COVID19 vaccine uptake took place in every state, with some more dramatic than others. California is leading the way in repeat vaccination, which at 50% up-to-date is second only to Puerto Rico’s 60%. But this isn’t typical, and most states are much lower, with some states having only 12% of healthcare staff up-to-date on the COVID shots.
It’s great to see that COVID19 vaccination at state healthcare facilities is apparently not “mandated” for staff (or residents). But I can’t help but wonder what the staff is telling the residents about the COVID shots—because the residents have a much higher rate of staying “up-to-date.”
Vaccination has declined a lot among residents, just as it has in staff, shown in Chart 2, but the average percent of residents who were up-to-date on COVID19 vaccines was 46%--double that of staff. Why are so many residents taking vaccines that their healthcare providers won’t take themselves?
Chart 2. See Note 1 for the source of this data.
This data about the low rate of COVID19 vaccination among the staff of healthcare facilities is telling. I hope some of the staff who are not “up-to-date” will be willing to tell us why, preferably without dancing.
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NOTES:
1) Vaccination status among residents and staff of state healthcare facilities, data available at this link.
