Szczepionka przeciw covid-19 – Charakterystyka, pielęgnacja i opieka

Szczepionka przeciw covid-19
Charakterystyka, pielęgnacja i opieka

Szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 stanowią bezpieczną i skuteczną metodę prewencji ciężkiego przebiegu choroby, hospitalizacji oraz zgonu wywołanego przez SARS-CoV-2. Aktualne zalecenia CDC rekomendują szczepienia dla osób od 6. miesiąca życia, w tym kobiet w ciąży, karmiących oraz planujących ciążę. Szczepionki mRNA (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech) oraz Novavax, dostosowane do wariantów wirusa na sezon 2024-2025, znacząco redukują ryzyko powikłań, nawet przy przełomowych zakażeniach. Szczególne grupy, takie jak osoby ≥65 lat i immunokompromitowane, wymagają dodatkowych dawek. Pielęgniarki pełnią kluczową rolę w bezpiecznym przechowywaniu, podawaniu, edukacji pacjentów oraz monitorowaniu działań niepożądanych, w tym rzadkich powikłań sercowych (myocarditis, pericarditis). Zalecane jest obserwowanie pacjentów przez minimum 15 minut po szczepieniu (30 minut przy historii alergii). Dokumentacja powinna zawierać dane pacjenta, producenta, numer serii, datę ważności oraz miejsce podania (domięśniowo w mięsień naramienny).

Szczepionka przeciw COVID-19 – podstawowe informacje
Rola pielęgniarek w szczepieniach przeciw COVID-19

Edukacja w zakresie szczepień
Procedury podawania szczepionek

Opieka nad szczególnymi grupami pacjentów

Kobiety w ciąży i karmiące piersią
Pacjenci z obniżoną odpornością
Mieszkańcy domów opieki długoterminowej

Zarządzanie działaniami niepożądanymi
Planowanie i organizacja szczepień

Organizacja punktów szczepień
Dokumentacja i monitorowanie

Przezwyciężanie wahań dotyczących szczepień

Aspekty etyczne

Podsumowanie

Kolejne rozdziały

Szczepionka przeciw COVID-19 – podstawowe informacje

Szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 są bezpiecznym i skutecznym sposobem ochrony przed ciężkim przebiegiem choroby, hospitalizacją i śmiercią spowodowaną infekcją wirusem SARS-CoV-2. Zgodnie z aktualnymi zaleceniami Centrów Kontroli i Zapobiegania Chorobom (CDC), szczepienia są rekomendowane dla wszystkich osób w wieku od 6 miesięcy, w tym również kobiet w ciąży, karmiących piersią oraz planujących ciążę w przyszłości. Szczepionki znacząco zmniejszają ryzyko ciężkiego przebiegu choroby i długotrwałych powikłań, nawet jeśli dojdzie do tak zwanego przełomowego zakażenia.¹²

Szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 nie mogą wywołać samej choroby, ponieważ nie zawierają żywego wirusa. Miliony osób na całym świecie otrzymały szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 w ramach najbardziej intensywnego monitorowania bezpieczeństwa w historii Stanów Zjednoczonych. Skuteczność szczepionek potwierdza się w praktyce klinicznej – osoby zaszczepione mają znacznie mniejsze ryzyko hospitalizacji i zgonu w porównaniu do osób niezaszczepionych.³⁴

Na rok 2024-2025 dostępne są zaktualizowane szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 firm Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech oraz Novavax, które zostały dostosowane do aktualnie krążących wariantów wirusa. Dla większości osób zaleca się przyjęcie jednej dawki zaktualizowanej szczepionki, jednak dla osób w wieku 65 lat i starszych oraz z obniżoną odpornością przewidziane są dodatkowe dawki.⁵⁶

Rola pielęgniarek w szczepieniach przeciw COVID-19

Pielęgniarki odgrywają kluczową rolę w zapewnieniu bezpiecznego i skutecznego przebiegu szczepień przeciw COVID-19. Są odpowiedzialne nie tylko za samo podanie szczepionki, ale również za edukację pacjentów, nadzorowanie programów szczepień oraz budowanie zaufania społecznego.⁷⁸

Do najważniejszych zadań pielęgniarek w procesie szczepień należą:

Bezpieczne przechowywanie, przygotowanie i podawanie szczepionek
Edukacja pacjentów na temat skuteczności i bezpieczeństwa szczepień
Monitorowanie pacjentów po szczepieniu pod kątem potencjalnych reakcji niepożądanych
Prowadzenie dokumentacji szczepień
Nadzór nad organizacją punktów szczepień

⁷⁹

Pielęgniarki, podobnie jak inni pracownicy ochrony zdrowia, powinny same przyjmować szczepienia przeciw COVID-19, aby chronić siebie, swoich pacjentów i bliskich. Amerykańskie Stowarzyszenie Pielęgniarek (ANA) popiera obowiązkowe szczepienia dla personelu medycznego, w tym pielęgniarek, zgodnie z aktualnymi zaleceniami zdrowia publicznego. Stanowisko to jest zgodne z długotrwałym podejściem ANA do immunizacji, które podkreśla, że skuteczna ochrona zdrowia publicznego wymaga, aby wszystkie osoby otrzymywały szczepienia przeciwko chorobom, którym można zapobiegać.¹⁰¹¹

Edukacja w zakresie szczepień

Jednym z najważniejszych zadań pielęgniarek jest edukacja pacjentów na temat szczepionek przeciw COVID-19. Pielęgniarki powinny przekazywać rzetelne, oparte na dowodach naukowych informacje, które pomogą pacjentom podejmować świadome decyzje dotyczące szczepień.⁹¹²

W ramach edukacji pacjentów pielęgniarki powinny omówić:

Mechanizm działania szczepionek przeciw COVID-19
Korzyści wynikające ze szczepień, w tym zmniejszenie ryzyka hospitalizacji i zgonu
Potencjalne działania niepożądane i sposób postępowania w przypadku ich wystąpienia
Obalanie powszechnych mitów i dezinformacji na temat szczepionek
Znaczenie szczepień dla ochrony grup wysokiego ryzyka i osiągnięcia odporności zbiorowej

⁹¹²

Szczególnie ważne jest wyjaśnienie pacjentom, że szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 przeszły rygorystyczne testy kliniczne i są stale monitorowane pod kątem bezpieczeństwa. Pielęgniarki powinny być przygotowane do odpowiadania na pytania dotyczące rzadkich działań niepożądanych, takich jak zapalenie mięśnia sercowego (myocarditis) czy zapalenie osierdzia (pericarditis), które mogą wystąpić po szczepieniu, zwłaszcza u młodszych osób.¹³¹⁴

Procedury podawania szczepionek

Pielęgniarki muszą przestrzegać ścisłych procedur podczas przygotowywania i podawania szczepionek przeciw COVID-19, aby zapewnić ich maksymalną skuteczność i bezpieczeństwo pacjentów.¹⁵

Do kluczowych aspektów procedury podawania szczepionek należą:

Właściwe przechowywanie szczepionek zgodnie z zaleceniami producenta (w odpowiedniej temperaturze)
Dokładne przygotowanie dawki zgodnie z instrukcją producenta
Stosowanie techniki aseptycznej podczas przygotowywania i podawania szczepionki
Podanie szczepionki w odpowiednie miejsce (domięśniowo w mięsień naramienny)
Obserwacja pacjenta przez minimum 15 minut po szczepieniu (30 minut w przypadku osób z historią reakcji alergicznych)
Dokładne dokumentowanie podania szczepionki, w tym numeru serii i daty ważności

¹⁵¹⁶

Pielęgniarki muszą być przygotowane do rozpoznawania i reagowania na potencjalne reakcje alergiczne po szczepieniu, w tym anafilaksję. Placówki prowadzące szczepienia powinny posiadać odpowiednie protokoły postępowania w nagłych przypadkach oraz niezbędny sprzęt do udzielenia pomocy w razie wystąpienia ciężkiej reakcji alergicznej.¹⁵¹⁷

Opieka nad szczególnymi grupami pacjentów

Kobiety w ciąży i karmiące piersią

Szczepienia przeciw COVID-19 są bezpieczne i zalecane dla kobiet w ciąży, karmiących piersią oraz planujących ciążę. Badania obejmujące setki tysięcy kobiet na całym świecie wykazały, że szczepienie przed i w trakcie ciąży jest bezpieczne i skuteczne, a korzyści wynikające z otrzymania szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 przewyższają potencjalne ryzyko związane ze szczepieniem w czasie ciąży.¹⁸¹⁹

Kobiety w ciąży są bardziej narażone na ciężki przebieg COVID-19 w porównaniu do osób, które nie są w ciąży. Infekcja COVID-19 podczas ciąży zwiększa ryzyko powikłań, które mogą wpływać na przebieg ciąży i zdrowie dziecka. Szczepienie podczas ciąży pomaga budować przeciwciała, które mogą chronić również noworodka – badania wykazały, że szczepionki mRNA podawane w czasie ciąży mogą pomóc chronić niemowlęta w wieku poniżej 6 miesięcy przed hospitalizacją z powodu COVID-19.¹⁸¹⁹

W przypadku kobiet karmiących piersią, dostępne dane na temat bezpieczeństwa szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 nie wskazują na żadne poważne reakcje po szczepieniu u matki karmiącej lub karmionego dziecka. Badania wykazały, że matki karmiące piersią, które otrzymały szczepionki mRNA, mają przeciwciała w mleku, co może pomóc chronić ich dzieci.²⁰²¹

U matek, które otrzymały szczepionkę mRNA, obserwuje się znaczący wzrost poziomu przeciwciał w mleku, który jest podobny lub wyższy niż po przebytej infekcji COVID-19. Poziom przeciwciał w mleku utrzymuje się przez co najmniej 6-8 miesięcy po szczepieniu. Badania wskazują także, że nie ma istotnych różnic w odpowiedzi przeciwciał między szczepionkami Pfizer-BioNTech i Moderna, choć niektóre badania wykazały lepszą odpowiedź IgA na szczepionkę Moderna niż na szczepionkę Pfizer-BioNTech.²²

Pacjenci z obniżoną odpornością

Osoby z obniżoną odpornością (immunokompromitowane) są szczególnie narażone na ciężki przebieg COVID-19 i śmierć. Ich odpowiedź immunologiczna na szczepionkę może nie być tak silna jak u osób bez zaburzeń odporności, dlatego wymagają specjalnego schematu szczepień.²³²⁴

Zgodnie z aktualnymi zaleceniami CDC, osoby w wieku 6 miesięcy i starsze z umiarkowanym lub ciężkim niedoborem odporności powinny otrzymać co najmniej 2 dawki szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 z sezonu 2024-2025, w odstępie 6 miesięcy (minimalny odstęp to 2 miesiące). Niektóre osoby immunokompromitowane mogą kwalifikować się do dodatkowych dawek szczepionki.⁴²⁵

Pielęgniarki powinny doradzać pacjentom immunokompromitowanym, aby skonsultowali się ze swoim lekarzem prowadzącym w celu ustalenia najbardziej odpowiedniego dla nich schematu szczepień. Pacjenci z obniżoną odpornością powinni również zachowywać dodatkowe środki ostrożności, nawet po szczepieniu, ze względu na możliwość słabszej odpowiedzi immunologicznej.¹⁴²⁵

Mieszkańcy domów opieki długoterminowej

Mieszkańcy placówek opieki długoterminowej (nursing homes, rest homes i assisted living) stanowią grupę szczególnie narażoną na ciężki przebieg COVID-19. Szczepienie mieszkańców i personelu tych placówek jest kluczowym krokiem w zapobieganiu rozprzestrzenianiu się wirusa i ochronie najbardziej wrażliwych populacji.²⁶

Placówki opieki długoterminowej, we współpracy z zakontraktowanymi aptekami, powinny zapewnić swoim mieszkańcom i personelowi niezbędne dawki szczepionki przeciw COVID-19. Wszystkie domy opieki i domy spokojnej starości muszą zapewnić, aby cały personel był na bieżąco ze szczepieniami przeciw COVID-19 do 31 grudnia 2023 r., chyba że personel kwalifikuje się do zwolnienia.²⁶²⁷

Zgodnie z wymogami prawnymi, placówki opieki długoterminowej muszą edukować, oferować i dokumentować zgodę i/lub odmowę szczepień przeciw COVID-19 zarówno dla mieszkańców, jak i personelu. Jeśli szczepionka jest niedostępna w placówce, placówka powinna dostarczyć informacje o możliwościach otrzymania szczepienia zewnętrznie (np. w departamencie zdrowia lub lokalnej aptece detalicznej).²⁷

Szczepienia są szczególnie ważne w placówkach opieki długoterminowej, ponieważ hospitalizacje z powodu COVID-19 są 8 razy wyższe wśród mieszkańców domów opieki. Emergenacja nowych wariantów COVID-19 podkreśla ciągłą potrzebę, aby mieszkańcy i personel placówek mieszkalnych i opieki długoterminowej byli na bieżąco ze szczepieniami przeciw COVID-19.²⁸²⁹

W celu zwiększenia akceptacji szczepień wśród personelu, opracowano specjalne programy edukacyjne, takie jak „Invest in Trust: A Guide for Building COVID-19 Vaccine Trust Among Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)”, który pomaga liderom domów opieki budować zaufanie do szczepionki COVID-19 wśród asystentów pielęgniarek i przezwyciężać bariery w szczepieniach poprzez stosowanie wniosków z nauk społecznych, behawioralnych i poznawczych.³⁰

Zarządzanie działaniami niepożądanymi

Po otrzymaniu szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 u pacjentów mogą wystąpić pewne działania niepożądane, które są normalną reakcją organizmu i świadczą o tym, że układ odpornościowy buduje ochronę. Większość reakcji jest łagodna do umiarkowanej i podobna do tych, które występują po innych szczepionkach.³¹¹⁴

Najczęściej zgłaszane działania niepożądane obejmują:

Ból, zaczerwienienie lub obrzęk w miejscu wstrzyknięcia
Zmęczenie
Ból głowy
Dreszcze
Ból mięśni i stawów
Łagodna gorączka
Powiększone węzły chłonne

³¹¹⁶

Pielęgniarki powinny informować pacjentów, że działania niepożądane są zwykle łagodne i ustępują po jednym lub dwóch dniach. W celu złagodzenia objawów po szczepieniu można przyjmować leki przeciwbólowe lub przeciwgorączkowe, takie jak paracetamol (Tylenol) lub ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), jeśli są wskazane medycznie. Nie zaleca się jednak rutynowego profilaktycznego podawania tych leków w celu zapobiegania objawom poszczepiennym, ponieważ brak jest danych dotyczących wpływu takiego postępowania na odpowiedź immunologiczną wywołaną przez szczepionki mRNA przeciw COVID-19.¹⁶³²

W rzadkich przypadkach szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 mogą prowadzić do powikłań sercowych, takich jak zapalenie mięśnia sercowego (myocarditis) i zapalenie osierdzia (pericarditis). Pacjenci powinni natychmiast szukać pomocy medycznej, jeśli w ciągu kilku tygodni po szczepieniu wystąpi u nich:

Ból w klatce piersiowej
Duszność lub trudności w oddychaniu
Uczucie szybkiego, trzepoczącego lub silnie bijącego serca

²⁴³³

Ryzyko zapalenia mięśnia sercowego i osierdzia może być zmniejszone u niektórych osób poprzez wydłużenie odstępu między pierwszą a drugą dawką do 8 tygodni. Znane i potencjalne korzyści ze szczepienia przeciw COVID-19 przewyższają znane i potencjalne ryzyko, w tym możliwe ryzyko zapalenia mięśnia sercowego lub osierdzia.¹⁷

Ryzyko ciężkiej reakcji alergicznej (anafilaksji) po szczepionce przeciw COVID-19 jest niezwykle niskie. Pacjenci z historią ciężkich reakcji alergicznych na jakiekolwiek składniki szczepionki nie powinni jej otrzymywać i powinni skonsultować się ze swoim lekarzem prowadzącym przed szczepieniem.¹⁷³⁴

Planowanie i organizacja szczepień

Właściwe planowanie i organizacja procesu szczepień mają kluczowe znaczenie dla zapewnienia skutecznej i sprawnej immunizacji populacji przeciw COVID-19. Pielęgniarki odgrywają istotną rolę zarówno w planowaniu, jak i realizacji programów szczepień.⁷

Organizacja punktów szczepień

Punkty szczepień powinny być zorganizowane w sposób zapewniający sprawny przepływ pacjentów i minimalizujący ryzyko transmisji COVID-19. Personel powinien stosować odpowiednie środki ochrony osobistej, w tym maski proceduralne, ochronę oczu i twarzy, fartuchy i rękawiczki. Personel powinien również przestrzegać higieny rąk przed i po podaniu szczepionki.³⁵

Punkty szczepień powinny być wyposażone w niezbędny sprzęt ratunkowy na wypadek wystąpienia ciężkich reakcji alergicznych, a personel powinien być przeszkolony w zakresie rozpoznawania i leczenia anafilaksji. Pacjenci powinni być obserwowani przez co najmniej 15 minut po szczepieniu, a osoby z historią reakcji alergicznych przez 30 minut.¹⁵

Mobilne szczepienia mogą być oferowane osobom, które nie są w stanie dotrzeć do punktów szczepień, takim jak osoby, które nie mogą opuścić domu, osoby z niepełnosprawnościami, potrzebami dostępu lub funkcjonalnymi, osoby w domach opieki pielęgniarskiej, opiece nad osobami starszymi, trzeźwym życiu i innych placówkach opieki długoterminowej.³⁶

Dokumentacja i monitorowanie

Dokładna dokumentacja podanych szczepionek jest niezbędna dla monitorowania zasięgu szczepień i bezpieczeństwa szczepionek. Pielęgniarki powinny dokładnie dokumentować podanie każdej szczepionki, w tym:

Dane identyfikacyjne pacjenta
Datę podania szczepionki
Nazwę/producenta szczepionki
Numer serii i datę ważności
Miejsce i drogę podania (np. domięśniowo w prawy mięsień naramienny)
Imię i nazwisko oraz tytuł osoby podającej szczepionkę

³⁷

Po otrzymaniu szczepionki przeciw COVID-19, CDC zachęca wszystkich do rejestracji w systemie V-Safe w celu powiadomienia CDC o wszelkich działaniach niepożądanych po otrzymaniu szczepionki. System ten oferuje również przypomnienia o kolejnych dawkach szczepionki. V-Safe nie może planować terminów szczepień, ale jest doskonałym sposobem komunikacji z CDC i powiększania puli informacji na temat skuteczności i bezpieczeństwa szczepionek.³⁸

Ważne jest również, aby pielęgniarki zgłaszały CDC wszelkie reakcje, działania niepożądane lub zdarzenia niepożądane związane ze szczepionką, które zaobserwują u pacjentów. Informacje te są kluczowe dla ciągłego monitorowania bezpieczeństwa szczepionek.³⁷

Przezwyciężanie wahań dotyczących szczepień

Wahania dotyczące szczepień stanowią istotną barierę w osiągnięciu wysokiego poziomu immunizacji populacji. Pielęgniarki, jako cieszący się zaufaniem profesjonaliści medyczni, mogą odegrać kluczową rolę w przezwyciężaniu tych wahań i zwiększaniu akceptacji szczepień.³⁹⁹

Badania wskazują, że obawy dotyczące bezpieczeństwa (69%), skuteczności (69%) oraz szybkości rozwoju/zatwierdzenia (74%) są najczęstszymi powodami wahań dotyczących szczepień przeciw COVID-19. Akceptacja szczepionek różni się w zależności od roli zawodowej w opiece zdrowotnej, wieku, wykształcenia i poziomu dochodów.³⁹⁴⁰

Aby skutecznie przezwyciężać wahania dotyczące szczepień, pielęgniarki powinny:

Słuchać obaw pacjentów z empatią i bez osądzania
Dostarczać rzetelnych, opartych na dowodach naukowych informacji
Wyjaśniać proces opracowywania i zatwierdzania szczepionek
Obalać powszechne mity i dezinformacje
Podkreślać korzyści ze szczepień zarówno dla jednostek, jak i społeczności
Dzielić się własnymi doświadczeniami ze szczepieniem, jeśli dotyczy

⁹⁴¹

W przypadku pracowników opieki długoterminowej, takich jak certyfikowani asystenci pielęgniarek (CNAs), opracowano specjalne przewodniki, które pomagają w budowaniu zaufania do szczepionek. Przewodniki te zawierają praktyczne porady dotyczące prowadzenia rozmów z personelem na temat szczepionek, rodzajów komunikatów, których należy używać, oraz jak wspierać personel w podejmowaniu decyzji.³⁰⁴²

Aspekty etyczne

Pandemia COVID-19 uwypukliła liczne wyzwania etyczne dla pielęgniarek dotyczące bezpieczeństwa, odmowy szczepień przez pacjentów oraz konsekwencji masowych ofiar, w tym poważnego niedoboru pielęgniarek. Pielęgniarki muszą rozumieć zamieszanie wokół szczepionek i wiele kwestii etycznych wynikających z walki między potencjalnym ryzykiem osobistym a odpowiedzialnością zawodową.¹²

Szczepionki chronią zarówno jednostkę, jak i społeczeństwo przed chorobami, którym można zapobiec i które mogą zagrażać życiu. Pielęgniarki wiedzą, że szczepionki chronią najbardziej narażone osoby: młode, starsze, osoby z niepełnosprawnościami i z osłabionym układem odpornościowym. Niestety, walka toczy się między wyborem osobistym a ochroną społeczności, a pielęgniarki znajdują się w samym jej środku.¹²

Amerykańskie Towarzystwo Medyczne (AMA) oraz inne organizacje opieki zdrowotnej popierają obowiązkowe szczepienia przeciw COVID-19 dla pracowników opieki zdrowotnej i opieki długoterminowej. Podkreślają, że ze względu na niedawny wzrost zachorowań na COVID-19 i dostępność bezpiecznych i skutecznych szczepionek, wszyscy pracownicy opieki zdrowotnej i opieki długoterminowej powinni zostać zaszczepieni dla własnego zdrowia oraz dla ochrony swoich kolegów, rodzin, mieszkańców placówek opieki długoterminowej i pacjentów.¹¹

Podsumowanie

Szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 są bezpiecznym i skutecznym sposobem ochrony przed poważnymi następstwami infekcji wirusem SARS-CoV-2. Pielęgniarki odgrywają kluczową rolę w procesie szczepień, począwszy od edukacji pacjentów, poprzez bezpieczne podawanie szczepionek, aż po monitorowanie działań niepożądanych i dokumentację procedur.⁷⁸

Szczególna uwaga powinna być poświęcona grupom wysokiego ryzyka, takim jak kobiety w ciąży, osoby z obniżoną odpornością czy mieszkańcy placówek opieki długoterminowej. Dla tych grup szczepienia mogą stanowić kluczowy element ochrony przed ciężkim przebiegiem COVID-19 i potencjalnymi powikłaniami.¹⁸²³²⁶

Przezwyciężanie wahań dotyczących szczepień wymaga empatycznego podejścia, dostarczania rzetelnych informacji oraz budowania zaufania. Pielęgniarki, jako profesjonaliści cieszący się dużym zaufaniem społecznym, mogą znacząco wpłynąć na zwiększenie akceptacji szczepień w społeczeństwie.³⁹⁹

W miarę ewolucji wirusa i aktualizacji zaleceń dotyczących szczepień, istotne jest, aby pielęgniarki były na bieżąco z najnowszymi informacjami i wytycznymi. Ciągła edukacja i szkolenia są niezbędne, aby zapewnić pacjentom najlepszą opiekę i najaktualniejsze informacje dotyczące szczepień przeciw COVID-19.⁴³

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

Materiały źródłowe

#1 COVID-19 Vaccines | HHS.govLock
https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/index.html
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. […] Getting vaccinated is the best way to help protect people from COVID-19. […] The federal government has been working since the pandemic started to develop, manufacture, and distribute safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. […] The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews and evaluates COVID-19 vaccines for quality, safety, and effectiveness. […] After the FDA authorizes the emergency use of a vaccine, an independent panel of medical and health experts called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) provides recommendations and guidance to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the use of the vaccine. […] To ensure the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, the federal government stood up programs to reach high-risk communities directly and quickly.
#2 COVID-19 vaccine information | Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-information
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Stay up to date with your vaccinations to protect yourself, your family, and your community from serious illness. […] Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly all MA residents can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for no or little cost. […] Everyone aged 5 years and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19. This is true even if youâve never been vaccinated before! […] COVID-19 vaccines available in Massachusetts are authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and proven to be safe and effective. […] Last year, people who received the COVID-19 vaccine had greater protection against illness and hospitalization than people who did not receive the vaccine. Hundreds of millions of people have safely received a COVID-19 vaccine under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history.
#3 Coronavirus Safety Tips & Precautions | Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/coronavirus-safety.html?srsltid=AfmBOoquqT9dyntODfmza9o_JgxhM3myBqQbY9YFNcrfSzpn-_iz9YSC
COVID-19 is a serious public health risk. Know the facts, stay up-to-date with your vaccinations, and help your loved ones get the vaccine. […] Everyone ages 5 and up should get a COVID-19 vaccine. […] Vaccines reduce your risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. […] Get a vaccine to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. Vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness and death from the coronavirus and its variants. […] Vaccines are safe and effective. Medical experts carefully tested the vaccines among thousands of adults. […] COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. COVID-19 vaccines are being held to the same safety standards as other common vaccines. Several expert and independent groups evaluate the safety of vaccines being given to people in the United States. Medical experts carefully tested the vaccines among thousands of adults. […] Help protect your whole family by getting yourself vaccinated as soon as you can. […] Get your children vaccinated as soon as they’re eligible.
#4 COVID-19 Vaccine Information | Washington State Department of Health
https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/immunization/diseases-and-vaccines/covid-19
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. […] The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness. […] People 6 months and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get at least 2 doses of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 months apart. […] Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines reduces your chances of hospitalization and lowers your risk of dying from COVID-19. […] Vaccinations increase the number of people in the community who are protected, making it harder for the disease to spread. […] If you are an uninsured or underinsured adult over the age of 19, you are eligible to get a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine at a low cost through a provider participating in the Washington State Adult Vaccine Program (AVP).
#5 COVID-19 Vaccines At VA | Veterans Affairs
https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/
We offer COVID-19 vaccines to eligible Veterans at no cost. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults get an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. […] Get 1 dose of a 2024-2025 vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax). […] If you’ve never had a COVID-19 vaccine before, choose one of these options: Get 1 dose of the 2024-2025 Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, or Get 2 doses of the 2024-2025 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine spaced at least 3 weeks apart. […] Get 2 doses of a 2024-2025 vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax) spaced 6 months apart. […] If you’ve never had a COVID-19 vaccine before and choose to get the Novavax vaccine for your first 2 doses, you should get 1 more dose of any 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 months later.
#6 COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Health Care Providers | Washington State Department of Health
https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/public-health-system-resources-and-services/immunization/covid-19-information
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. […] The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness. […] People who are up to date have lower risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 than people who are unvaccinated or who have not completed the doses recommended for them by CDC. […] People ages 6 months and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 months (minimum interval 2 months) after their first dose. […] There is no recommendation for any one COVID-19 vaccine over another when more than one recommended and age-appropriate vaccine is available.
#7 Nurse Resources & Best Practices for Covid 19 Vaccines | ANA
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/disaster-preparedness/coronavirus/what-you-need-to-know/covid-19-vaccines/resources/
Learn about guidelines, educational resources and best practices for nurses storing, handling and administering the COVID-19 vaccines. […] For nurses providing the COVID-19 Vaccine: Nurses play a key role in ensuring vaccinations are administered safely and efficiently. Get prepared for your role as a vaccinator by learning from our nurse experts the key considerations for nurses preparing and administering COVID-19 vaccines. […] For nurses supervising COVID-19 vaccine administration: A large number and a variety of healthcare professionals are needed to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts nationwide. Training is important not only for those who will prepare and administer vaccines, but for those responsible for oversight of the operation of vaccination administration programs. […] Guiding Principles for Nurses and the COVID-19 Vaccines – Vaccines are critical to the control and prevention of infectious disease transmission. These principles are key factors for nurses and other health care professionals to examine in consideration of immunization.
#8 The Role of Nurses in COVID-19 Vaccination – Supplemental Health Care
https://shccares.com/blog/nursing-resources/the-role-of-nurses-in-covid-19-vaccination/
Nurses play a key role in patient care, so its not surprising that they would also provide advice and guidance about vaccinations. […] Another important responsibility of nurses in regard to immunization is safety. […] Nurses can safely administer the vaccines just like other licensed healthcare providers such as physicians, physician assistants (PAs) and pharmacists. […] The role of nursing is integral to the success of the COVID-19 vaccines whether youre educating patients, receiving the vaccine yourself, or administering it to others.
#9 How Nurses Help Save Lives With Vaccines | NurseJournal.org
https://nursejournal.org/articles/how-nurses-help-save-lives-with-vaccines/
Vaccines are one of the most important ways to promote public health. Learn how nurses can save lives through vaccine education and administration. […] Nurses play a key role in vaccine administration beyond giving shots. Find out how nurses save lives by promoting public health and building trust in communities. […] Millions of nurses demonstrated this when the COVID-19 vaccine first became available. As nurses stepped forward to become inoculated, they sent a message that the vaccine is safe, effective, and crucial for stopping the spread of the disease. […] Nurses can help patients make informed decisions by providing education on: Vaccine efficacy and safety, Vaccine benefits, Myths about vaccines. […] Nurses must recognize knowledge gaps in the public and use their authority to keep patients healthy. Misinformation and mistrust has been even more prevalent since the COVID-19 pandemic.
#10 COVID-19 Vaccines | Coronavirus Resources | ANA Enterprise
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/disaster-preparedness/coronavirus/what-you-need-to-know/covid-19-vaccines/
Find out about the science, principles, and best practices for Covid-19 vaccination. Information you can trust, for the „most trusted profession” […] The American Nurses Association (ANA) supports health care employers mandating nurses and all health care personnel to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in alignment with current recommendations for immunization by public health officials. We call on all nurses to uphold their professional and ethical obligations to model the same prevention measures as their patients. ANAs decision to support COVID-19 vaccine mandates for nurses aligns with its longstanding position on immunizations, which emphasizes that effective protection of the public health mandates that all individuals receive immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases. […] The CDC recommends that everyone stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
#11 AMA in support of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for health care workers | American Medical Association
https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/ama-press-releases/ama-support-covid-19-vaccine-mandates-health-care-workers
It is critical that all people in the health care workforce get vaccinated against COVID-19 for the safety of our patients and our colleagues, said Susan R. Bailey, M.D., immediate past president of the American Medical Association. […] Due to the recent COVID-19 surge and the availability of safe and effective vaccines, our health care organizations and societies advocate that all health care and long-term care employers require their workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. […] As we move towards full FDA approval of the currently available vaccines, all health care workers should get vaccinated for their own health, and to protect their colleagues, families, residents of long-term care facilities and patients. […] We call for all health care and long-term care employers to require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. […] Existing COVID-19 vaccine mandates have proven effective. […] As the health care community leads the way in requiring vaccines for our employees, we hope all other employers across the country will follow our lead and implement effective policies to encourage vaccination.
#12 How Nurses Can Approach the COVID-19 Vaccine Discussion
https://academicpartnerships.uta.edu/healthcare-nursing-online-programs/rn-to-msn/family-nurse-practitioner/fully-vaccinated-or-antivaccine/
Nurses dedicate their lives to saving patients and must contend vaccine misconceptions. […] Nurses must understand the vaccine confusion and the many ethical issues arising from a fight between potential personal risk and professional responsibility. […] The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted numerous ethical challenges for nurses regarding safety, patient refusal of vaccines and mass casualty consequences, including the severe nursing shortage. […] Vaccines protect both the individual and the public from preventable and possibly life-threatening diseases. Nurses know that vaccines protect the most vulnerable young, elderly, those with disabilities and fragile immune systems. Unfortunately, this fight is between personal choice and community protection, and nurses are caught in the middle.
#13 About COVID-19 Vaccine – MN Dept. of Health
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/vaccine/basics.html
Your immune response to COVID-19 vaccination may not be as strong as in people who are not immunocompromised. […] People 6 months and older that are moderately or severely immunocompromised require more doses than recommended for the general population. […] It is not recommended to take over-the-counter medications before getting your vaccine to prevent side effects. […] COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines (like flu vaccine). […] It takes about two weeks for your body to build up initial protection after your vaccine. […] Some side effects are common after vaccination. […] A serious adverse event is something that results in hospitalization or is life-threatening. […] If you have a severe reaction, contact your health care provider. […] People, mostly born of male gender and ages 12-39 years, who have received the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer or Moderna, have had rare cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart). […] Seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following symptoms after receiving COVID-19 vaccine: Chest pain, Shortness of breath, Feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart.
#14 COVID-19 vaccine – NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/
The most common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are mild and get better within a week. […] More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are very rare. […] COVID-19 vaccines in use in the UK have all met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness. The safety of the vaccines has been extensively reviewed in both adults and children by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
#14 COVID-19 vaccine – NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/
You may be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine if you have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment. […] Some people need an extra dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they have a health condition or treatment that severely weakens their immune system. […] Your GP or specialist will assess your risk and tell you if you need an extra dose of the vaccine. […] Some people may be able to get vaccinated at a local service, such as a community pharmacy or GP surgery, or at a care home if they live in a care home. […] If you have, or think you have, COVID-19 wait until you’re feeling better before having the vaccine. […] If you’ve recently recovered from COVID-19, there is no need to wait to get the vaccine. […] The COVID-19 vaccines used by the NHS do not contain any animal products, including eggs.
#15 COVID-19 Vaccine Info for Providers – County of Fresno
https://www.fresnocountyca.gov/Departments/Public-Health/Health-Messages-for-Medical-Providers/COVID-19-Vaccine-Info-for-Providers
COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required by CDPH CDPH Updates COVID-19 Guidance and Reminds Californians Vaccines, Testing and Treatment Remain Available or CMS 2023-11449.pdf (federalregister.gov) […] However, CMS and CDPH continue to strongly recommend that all healthcare personnel and residents remain up to date on recommended vaccines. […] COVID-19 vaccines need to be administered by an RN, health care provider, (nurse practitioner, physician assistant or physician) MA, or LVN operating under protocols with an RN or health care provider onsite and immediately available. […] COVID-19 vaccines may cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Health care providers administering COVID-19 vaccine must be prepared to manage anaphylaxis, including observing all individuals vaccinated for at least 15 minutes after vaccination, and at least 30 minutes if individuals have a history of anaphylaxis.
#16 COVID-19 Vaccine: Care Instructions | Kaiser Permanente
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.covid-19-vaccine-care-instructions.acl4101
The COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you from getting very sick from COVID-19. If you get COVID-19, your symptoms will probably be less severe than if you hadn’t gotten the vaccine. You can’t get COVID-19 from the vaccine. […] Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. […] If you have a sore arm or a fever after getting the COVID-19 vaccine, you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
#17 COVID-19 Vaccines: Scheduling, How Vaccines Work, and More | Patients & Visitors | UC Davis Health
https://health.ucdavis.edu/patients-visitors/conditions-treatments/covid-19/vaccines
With any vaccine, there’s an increased risk of fainting for children under the age of 18, according to the CDC. […] Yes. UC Davis Health patients can schedule their next COVID-19 vaccine with us even if the last dose was administered somewhere else in the U.S. or in another country. […] Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are free to all Americans. […] The most common side effects are a sore arm and sometimes fever, chills, tiredness and headaches for a day or two. […] The CDC says the risk of anaphylaxis a severe allergic reaction after a COVID-19 vaccine is extremely low. […] The rare risk of myocarditis and pericarditis can be reduced for some people by extending the interval to 8 weeks between first and second doses. […] The known and potential benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks, including the possible risk of myocarditis or pericarditis.
#18 COVID-19 Vaccination for Women Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding | COVID-19 | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/pregnant-or-breastfeeding.html
Everyone ages 6 months and older is recommended to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine, including if you are pregnant, breastfeeding a baby, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. […] COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective. […] COVID-19 vaccines are not associated with fertility problems in women or men. […] If you are pregnant or were recently pregnant, you are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, compared to those who are not pregnant. Additionally, if you have COVID-19 during pregnancy, you are at increased risk of complications that can affect your pregnancy and your baby from serious illness from COVID-19. […] COVID-19 vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death for you and your baby.
#19 COVID-19 Vaccination for Women Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding | COVID-19 | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/pregnant-or-breastfeeding.html
Studies including hundreds of thousands of people around the world show that COVID-19 vaccination before and during pregnancy is safe, effective, and beneficial to both the pregnant woman and the baby. […] The benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy. […] COVID-19 vaccines do not cause COVID-19, including in pregnant women or their babies. […] It is safe to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech), before and during pregnancy. […] mRNA COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy are effective. […] COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy builds antibodies that can help protect the baby. […] Receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy can help protect babies younger than age 6 months from hospitalization due to COVID-19.
#20 COVID-19 Vaccination for Women Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding | COVID-19 | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/pregnant-or-breastfeeding.html
Vaccines are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 in women who are breastfeeding a baby. […] Available data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccination while breastfeeding indicate no severe reactions after vaccination in the breastfeeding mother or the breastfed child. […] There has been no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines are harmful to either women who have received a vaccine and are breastfeeding or to their babies. […] Studies have shown that mothers who are breastfeeding a baby and have received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have antibodies in their breast milk, which could help protect their babies. […] CDC recommends that women who are trying to get pregnant now or might become pregnant in the future, as well as their partners, stay up to date and get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are not associated with fertility problems in women or men.
#21 COVID-19 Vaccines – Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMedÂ®) – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565969/
Many studies involving hundreds of women who received a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine and their infants have been reported in the literature. No evidence suggests that receiving a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 is harmful to either the nursing mother or the breastfed infant. Antibodies and T-cells that neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus appear in the milk after maternal vaccination. […] Nursing mothers experience minimal disruption of breastfeeding after vaccination, which may be related to having systemic symptoms. […] Numerous professional organizations and governmental health authorities recommend that COVID-19 vaccines be offered to those who are breastfeeding because the potential benefits of maternal vaccination during lactation outweigh any theoretical risks. […] Mothers who receive an mRNA vaccine have marked increases in milk antibodies that are similar to or higher than after a COVID-19 infection.
#22 COVID-19 Vaccines – Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMedÂ®) – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565969/
Milk antibody levels persist for at least 6 to 8 months after vaccination. […] There appear to be no major differences in antibody response from the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, although some studies found a better IgA response to the Moderna vaccine than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. […] A booster of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine markedly increases IgG milk titers, including following an initial vector vaccine, but IgA titers are affected variably. […] Some infants have anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in their saliva and stool samples after breastfeeding, and although some gastric and intestinal digestion occurs, titers appear sufficient to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. […] No increase in serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are found in infant serum after maternal vaccination unless mothers were vaccinated during pregnancy.
#23 About COVID-19 Vaccine – MN Dept. of Health
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/vaccine/basics.html
Vaccination is recommended for all people 6 months of age and older. […] Because children and youth with specialized health needs and disabilities may be at higher risk for more severe illness from COVID-19, families and caregivers are asked to strongly consider vaccinating children who have any underlying health condition or disability if they are 6 months of age or older. […] COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or those who might become pregnant in the future. […] Vaccination during pregnancy allows mothers antibodies to pass on to the newborn. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you and your baby from serious health problems from COVID-19. […] If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system), you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness and death.
#24 About COVID-19 Vaccine – MN Dept. of Health
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/vaccine/basics.html
Your immune response to COVID-19 vaccination may not be as strong as in people who are not immunocompromised. […] People 6 months and older that are moderately or severely immunocompromised require more doses than recommended for the general population. […] It is not recommended to take over-the-counter medications before getting your vaccine to prevent side effects. […] COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines (like flu vaccine). […] It takes about two weeks for your body to build up initial protection after your vaccine. […] Some side effects are common after vaccination. […] A serious adverse event is something that results in hospitalization or is life-threatening. […] If you have a severe reaction, contact your health care provider. […] People, mostly born of male gender and ages 12-39 years, who have received the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer or Moderna, have had rare cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart). […] Seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following symptoms after receiving COVID-19 vaccine: Chest pain, Shortness of breath, Feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart.
#25 COVID-19 Vaccine Information | Washington State Department of Health
https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/immunization/diseases-and-vaccines/covid-19
CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get at least one dose of updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. […] Some people who are immunocompromised may be eligible for additional doses. […] It’s normal to have some side effects after getting the vaccine. […] Yes, data show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe during pregnancy. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for people who are pregnant, lactating, or planning to get pregnant. […] Vaccination is the best way to keep kids healthy and safe. […] COVID-19 vaccines (initial and additional doses) and other preventive measures for COVID-19 are important, especially if you are older or have multiple or severe health conditions including those on this list. […] If immunocompromised individuals have questions about their specific medical condition, they may discuss whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them with their health care provider.
#26 COVID-19 vaccinations for nursing homes, rest homes and assisted living residences | Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccinations-for-nursing-homes-rest-homes-and-assisted-living-residences
COVID-19 vaccine information for residents and staff at long term care facilities. […] The Commonwealth has prioritized protecting the most vulnerable populations, including long-term care (nursing home, rest home, and assisted living) residents and staff. Vaccinating long-term care facility residents, staff, and visitors against COVID-19 is a crucial step in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting others. […] Long-term care facilities, in partnership with their contracted pharmacies, will be able to provide their residents and staff with necessary doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. […] All nursing homes and rest homes must ensure that all personnel are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines by December 31, 2023, unless personnel qualify for an exemption. […] Long-term care facilities must be enrolled in the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS) to receive and administer COVID-19 vaccine.
#27
https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/LTC-Facilities-Required-to-Educate-and-Offer-COVID-19-Vaccine-to-Staff-and-Residents.aspx
As the new COVID-19 vaccine is being released, long term care facilities need to be aware of the regulatory requirement to educate and offer the COVID-19 vaccine to staff and residents. […] Facilities must educate, offer, and document the consent and/or declination of COVID-19 vaccines for both residents and staff. […] To provide more clarity on what it means to offer the vaccine, if the vaccine is unavailable in the facility, the facility should provide information on opportunities to obtain vaccination externally (e.g., health department or local retail pharmacy) to individuals. […] CMS expects that the facility will provide evidence, upon request, of efforts made to make the vaccine available to staff and residents. […] Providers are encouraged to keep working with their LTC pharmacies to access and make available vaccinations and/or find opportunities for offsite vaccination.
#28 Immunizations in Long-term Care Facilities – MN Dept. of Health
https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/hcp/ltc.html
They have a high risk of hospitalization from COVID-19, flu and RSV. […] COVID-19 hospitalizations are 8 times higher for nursing home residents. […] Learn about vaccination updates for the 2024-25 respiratory season for flu, COVID-19, and RSV including information from MIIC, infection control and survey. […] Learn about the benefits of vaccination, adult immunization schedules, and health care personnel immunization recommendations. […] Learn about how to decide to vaccinate residents and/or staff and guidelines for storage and handling of vaccines. […] Learn about ways to successfully offer vaccinations in your facility, injection safety, and documentation. […] Learn about the Moving Needles project and how it helped improve adult vaccinations rates in post-acute and long-term care pilot sites. […] Long-term Care: COVID-19 Information and resources related to testing, infection prevention and control, vaccination and more.
#29 COVID-19 vaccine clinic toolkit for long-term care facilities | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
https://cdphe.colorado.gov/hai/ltcf-covid-19-vaccine-toolkit
The emergence and transmission of new COVID-19 variants highlight the continued need for residents and staff of residential and long-term care facilities to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Residents and staff should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine as recommended for their age and immune status as soon as they can. […] Receiving a COVID-19 vaccination is critical to protect both staff and residents against COVID-19. […] COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, regardless of prior symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, including people with Long COVID. […] People with known current SARS-CoV-2 infection should defer any COVID-19 vaccination at least until recovery from the acute illness (if symptoms were present). […] Additionally, people who recently had SARS-CoV-2 infection may consider delaying a COVID-19 vaccine dose by three months from when their symptoms started or, if they had no symptoms, when they first tested positive. […] There are currently three 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines authorized and approved for use in the United States: Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax. […] It is important to follow infection prevention recommendations to prevent transmission of COVID-19 within the facility.
#30 Invest in Trust: A Guide for Building COVID-19 Vaccine Trust and Increasing Vaccination Rates Among CNAs | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
https://www.ahrq.gov/nursing-home/materials/prevention/vaccine-trust.html
Invest in Trust: A Guide for Building COVID-19 Vaccine Trust Among Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) is designed to help nursing home leaders build COVID-19 vaccine confidence among CNAs and overcome barriers to vaccination by applying insights from social, behavioral and cognitive science. […] The guide sheds light on CNAs reasons for not getting vaccinated and the challenges they face to getting a vaccine. It also offers practical advice on how to have conversations with CNAs about the vaccine, what kinds of messages to use, and how to support CNAs in making their decisions. Use it to help improve staff vaccination rates in your nursing home. […] The guide provides several resources for nursing homes to build confidence including conversation guides, posters, information cards, and designs for pins to celebrate vaccination status.
#31 COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/covid-19-vaccines-for-kids/art-20513332
A COVID-19 vaccine might prevent your child from getting the virus that causes COVID-19. It also may prevent your child from becoming seriously ill or having to stay in the hospital due to the COVID-19 virus. […] Children given COVID-19 vaccines have side effects similar to those faced by adults. The most commonly reported side effects include: Pain, redness or swelling where the shot was given. Tiredness. Headache. Chills. Muscle pain. Joint pain. Swollen lymph nodes. […] In some people, COVID-19 vaccines can lead to heart complications called myocarditis and pericarditis. Myocarditis is the swelling, also called inflammation, of the heart muscle. Pericarditis is the swelling, also called inflammation, of the lining outside the heart. […] The vaccines that help protect against COVID-19 are safe and effective. The vaccines were tested in clinical trials. People continue to be watched for rare side effects, even after more than 650 million doses have been given in the United States.
#32 COVID-19 Vaccine Info for Providers – County of Fresno
https://www.fresnocountyca.gov/Departments/Public-Health/Health-Messages-for-Medical-Providers/COVID-19-Vaccine-Info-for-Providers
Antipyretic or analgesic medications (e.g., acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be taken for the treatment of post-vaccination local or systemic symptoms, if medically appropriate. However, routine prophylactic administration of these medications for the purpose of preventing post-vaccination symptoms is not currently recommended, because information on the impact of such use on mRNA COVID-19 vaccine-induced antibody responses is not available at this time.
#33 COVID-19 Vaccine: Care Instructions | Kaiser Permanente
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.covid-19-vaccine-care-instructions.acl4101
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: You have one or more of these symptoms within a few weeks of getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Shortness of breath. Chest pain, or a feeling of a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart. […] Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
#34 COVID-19 Vaccine Near You | Geisinger
https://www.geisinger.org/coronavirus/patients-and-visitors/covid-vaccine
Yes, we offer the vaccine that protects against the latest COVID-19 variants. […] Yes, you can receive both shots at the same time. […] You will be asked to present health insurance information for vaccine billing, which will go directly to your insurance provider. […] Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for adults and children, according to the CDC. […] No, itâs not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine. […] Pain at the injection site, headache, muscle aches, low-grade fever, fatigue, chills and nausea are common and possible side effects. […] If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to any vaccine, talk with your primary care provider before getting the COVID-19 vaccine. […] A pregnant or breastfeeding woman may choose to be vaccinated. […] Getting your child vaccinated not only protects them, but it also protects family members who may be vulnerable around them.
#35 The COVID-19 Vaccine | Inspira Health
https://www.inspirahealthnetwork.org/covid-19-vaccine
Staff will be wearing a procedure mask, face and eye protection, gown and gloves. The staff will also perform hand hygiene before and after administering the vaccine. […] It usually takes about one to two weeks for immunity to develop following vaccination, but the specific timeline for any coronavirus vaccine will depend to some extent on which type of vaccine it is. […] Yes, you should still be vaccinated. There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again; this is called natural immunity. […] The COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed by the federal government at no cost to enrolled COVID-19 vaccination providers. […] Yes, providers can bill for an office visit when administering COVID-19 vaccine if the visit meets the criteria for office visit coding under a recipients plan. […] Yes, vaccine providers will be able to charge an administration fee. However, participating vaccine providers must administer COVID-19 vaccine regardless of the vaccine recipients ability to pay COVID-19 vaccine administration fees or coverage status, as stated in the CDC Provider Agreement.
#36 Covid-19 Vaccine
https://longbeach.gov/covid19vaccine
At this time, the Health Department offers free updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines to individuals 19 and older without health insurance or who are underinsured at various locations in Long Beach through the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Insured residents are encouraged to obtain vaccine through their healthcare providers or local pharmacies. […] Mobile vaccination is a free service offered on weekdays to only Long Beach residents who are not able to travel to one of the City’s COVID-19 vaccination sites, such as persons who are not able to leave their home, persons with disabilities, access or functional needs, those in skilled nursing, elder care, sober living and in other long-term care facilities. Those who are able to access the COVID-19 vaccine through their primary care provider or at an ongoing vaccination site should continue to do so.
#37 COVID-19 Vaccines At VA | Veterans Affairs
https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/
Tell your VA health care team if you experience any COVID-19 vaccine reactions, side effects, or adverse events. […] When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, we’ll add this information to your VA health record. […] If you got some doses outside of VA, you can still get any remaining doses that are recommended for you here. […] If you have more questions about COVID-19 vaccines at VA, call our MyVA411 main information line at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).
#38 Covid-19 Vaccine
https://longbeach.gov/covid19vaccine
After receiving your vaccine, CDC encourages everyone to register for V-Safe to notify the CDC of any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. You will also get reminders for second vaccine doses. V-Safe cannot schedule vaccine appointments, but it is a great way to communicate with the CDC and add to the pool of information around vaccine efficacy and safety.
#39 COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among Health Care Workers in the United States
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7913135/
Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine will play a major role in combating the pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the first group to receive vaccination, so it is important to consider their attitudes about COVID-19 vaccination to better address barriers to widespread vaccination acceptance. […] We conducted a cross sectional study to assess the attitude of HCWs toward COVID-19 vaccination. […] Only 8% of HCWs do not plan to get vaccine. Vaccine acceptance increased with increasing age, education, and income level. […] Direct medical care providers had higher vaccine acceptance (49%). Safety (69%), effectiveness (69%), and speed of development/approval (74%) were noted as the most common concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination in our survey. […] A significant association was noted between the choice that participants make about receiving COVID-19 vaccination and multiple predictor variables.
#40 COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among Health Care Workers in the United States
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7913135/
Vaccine acceptance varied by occupational role in healthcare. DMPs had higher vaccine acceptance (49%) than administrative staff (34%) and others without direct patient care (33%). DPCPs had the lowest vaccine acceptance (27%) with nearly two-thirds (62%) of DPCP choosing to wait to review safety data. […] While overall concerns regarding vaccination in general were low, concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccines were prevalent. […] Most participants endorsed concerns (agree or strongly agree) about vaccine safety/adverse effects (69%), effectiveness (69%), and rapidity of development/approval (74%). […] Immediate acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine is low, with the majority of HCWs choosing to wait to review more data before deciding on personal vaccination. However, a very small percentage of respondents plan to refuse vaccination, suggesting the potential for high uptake. Overall attitudes toward vaccination were positive but specific concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine are prevalent.
#41 My Vaccine Choice: Iâm a Breastfeeding Ob-Gyn. Hereâs Why I Got a COVID-19 Vaccine. | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/my-vaccine-choice-im-a-breastfeeding-ob-gyn-heres-why-i-got-a-covid-19-vaccine
Dr. Veronica Maria Pimentel discusses why she chose to be vaccinated as a nursing mom. […] By the time the vaccines became available for health care workers in December, I was no longer pregnant. Instead, I was breastfeeding a 2-month-old baby boypumping at work and nursing my baby at home. Heres why I chose to get a vaccine. […] The short answer is that we believe the vaccines are likely to help breastfeeding babies. […] One of the benefits of breastfeeding is to pass a mothers protective antibodies to her baby. […] But a recent study supports our expectation that the antibodies pass through breast milk after vaccination, possibly allowing a moms vaccine to protect her baby from COVID-19. This is great news! […] Based on how the vaccines work, we are confident that getting a COVID-19 vaccine is safe for breastfeeding women and their babies.
#42 Invest in Trust: A Guide for Building COVID-19 Vaccine Trust and Increasing Vaccination Rates Among CNAs | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
https://www.ahrq.gov/nursing-home/materials/prevention/vaccine-trust.html
Use these specific recommendations for your one-on-one conversations. […] Download these posters to promote helping people find vaccines, office hours and other vaccine-related messages. […] Print these cards with information about how to schedule or find vaccines locally. […] Use these pins to present to staff who have been vaccinated with a handwritten thank you note from a supervisor.
#43 Coronavirus: Nursing Considerations CEU – Nursing CE Central
https://nursingcecentral.com/lessons/coronavirus-everything-nurses-need-to-know/
Youll leave this course with a broader understanding the available COVID-19 vaccinations and recommendations. […] As evidenced by the early days of the pandemic, the healthcare system can become easily overwhelmed by a higher than average influx of patients, poor testing capabilities due to inadequate supplies or backlogged sample processing, and lack of resources and staff to care for high acuity patients. […] There are several ways to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 10): […] For older adults or high risk individuals who are more likely to experience severe illness, there are several FDA authorized antiviral options that may help reduce the duration or severity of illness. […] COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or may become pregnant. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of COVID-19 complications during pregnancy such as preterm or stillbirth and offers protection of the infant once born prior to receiving their own vaccine at 6 months of age.