My husband is in an AL in Georgia and today I was told by a staffer that neither the staff nor the director plans to get vaccinated because of all the bad reactions. I’ve not read about that many bad reactions and definitely want my husband to be vaccinated. The worker suggested it would need to be done by his personal physician, but he’s been on hospice for about a year. Hospice seems to know nothing about it yet. That’s what they told me a week ago and they haven’t responded to my text today. I don’t want to hassle anybody but I don’t want my husband slipping through the cracks. Any advice?
Getting the vaccine should not require your husband's PCP to come and administer it. Most facilities have made arrangements with local pharmacists (CVS & Walgreens, e.g.) to come to the facility and administer the shot. I doubt if hospice will get involved but I don't know. So go ahead and sign your husband up for the shot.
It has been reported that some people with compromised immune systems should not get the shot. The examples given included those undergoing some forms of cancer treatment, but not all, some autoimmune disorders etc.
The only reactions I have heard of so far were some allergic reactions. Generally the people who had an allergic reaction already had serious allergies and they are being told to talk to their doctor before taking the vaccine.
Very interesting, I've not heard of that. The Administrator of my mom's ALF where she's in their MC wing just sent family members an email several days ago saying they would be having a Walgreen's Clinic on the 28th (although, she doesn't know which vaccine they would be giving yet) along with info. from both the CDC and Walgreen's. She said she'll be contacting us shortly to get our consent or decline.
Also, I find it odd that hospice doesn't know anything about it either.
I would let both the facility, his personal physician and hospice know that you want your husband to have it - maybe even by putting it in writing to all three.
Good luck!
I've read about a lot of bad reactions but the worst are the anaphylactic shock reactions some are getting from one of the components in the Pfizer vaccine, which is in all of them, I believe. Any facility that is administering the vaccine must have the appropriate medications and supplies on hand for assessing and managing anaphylaxis reactions, should they occur. Such reactions would happen within 30 minutes of getting the injection.
A top U.S. official said that Americans with known severe allergic reactions may not be candidates for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine until more was understood about what had happened. Also, anyone with a previous history of anaphylactic shock reactions to food or medication of any kind should avoid the vaccine altogether.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/anaphylaxis-management.html
Personally, I think it's wise to have more info on hand before giving these shots to all these seniors in long term care. First line responders are first in line for vaccines, so maybe it's prudent to see how it goes for them before we rush off and vaccinate our elders.
I would just take a wait & see attitude if it were me. That's what I'm doing with my mother's ALF, and as for me, I'm in NO rush to get vaccinated.
I agree that the first responders should get them first before administering them to our elders.
My mom already had COVID in April and I would hate for something to go wrong after all she's been through! I wish I could buy some more time but, her facility plans on having it done on Monday.
Sounds like the Al director is trying to offload a huge issue onto individuals--when they are less able to get up and run to their drs.
MY PCP told me to reach out to my oncologist, I would get the vaccine MUCH sooner than waiting for it to get to the PCP's office.
Stay tough. After first line responders, the elderly are in line for shots. We've had some in our state already. I don't think your AL director has the authority to override the govt's plans to vaccinate the folks in AL's.