COVID-19 Vaccines: Availability and Challenges

Many nursing homes in the United States are facing delays in administering Covid-19 vaccines to their residents and staff, despite rising infections among this vulnerable population. The federal government's decision to stop purchasing and distributing vaccines has added complications for nursing home operators, who are struggling to persuade employees to receive the shots. Only 62% of nursing home residents and 25% of employees are up-to-date on their vaccines. The rollout of a new vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (R.S.V.) further adds to the administrative complexity. Resistance to vaccination among nurses and aides remains a significant obstacle, with many nursing homes relying on persuasion rather than mandates.