Vaccination Requirements for Nursing Home Staff

The Biden Administration over the past few weeks has expanded its efforts to require vaccinations for folks such as federal workers and contractors working within the U.S.. In an effort to further that reach President Biden announced this week his administration will be requiring nursing home staff serving those on medicare or medicaid to also receive the vaccine. BIden said more than 130,000 residents in nursing homes, over the period of this virus, passed away and that studies show that highly vaccinated nursing home staffs are associated with at least 30% less COVID-19 cases among long-term care residents. The trend of vaccine requirements continues as businesses in the private sector enact their own policies. AT&T, Amtrak, and McDonalds are just some of the names in the last week who have announced vaccine requirements for employees. Booster shots for those who have already received their first 2 shots are also on the horizon. Beginning Sept. 20th a 3rd shot will be available as recent data shows a decline over time in the vaccine’s ability to protect against less serious disease. This 3rd shot, however, will only be implemented if given approval by the FDA.