The U.S. federal government has expressed concern over the low vaccination rates among nursing home residents. In response to this, Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently conducted an online meeting with leaders from nursing homes. He emphasized their critical role in ensuring that both staff and residents receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to a news release from HHS, this meeting followed a December 2023 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report revealed that only 33 percent of nursing home residents have completed their COVID-19 vaccinations. It is mandatory for long-term health care facilities to provide COVID-19 vaccines and information about their benefits, as stipulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Becerra conveyed his optimism that nursing homes could tackle this issue effectively. According to the news release, he suggested that if these institutions share best practices with HHS regarding why individuals are opting out of vaccination, it would aid in devising an appropriate action plan. Becerra reminded nursing home leaders that unvaccinated older people are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. However, this can be mitigated by educating residents about the benefits of vaccination. The HHS secretary affirmed his department's commitment to collaborate with long-term health care facilities to find a solution.

The news release also highlighted significant progress made in managing COVID-19 under President Biden's administration, which aims to restore normalcy in American lives. Vaccines protecting against three winter respiratory illnesses—COVID-19, flu, and RSV—are readily available for the elderly population. Ensuring older residents' safety from serious illness remains a top priority for HHS. This is reflected in its Bridge Access Program, which offers free COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured adults and those whose insurance does not fully cover vaccine costs.