Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination

On May 11^th, Governor Jeb Bush signed House Bill 1003 into law. This law defines the responsibilities of nursing homes with respect to influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations of nursing home residents. This is new language for s. 400.141, F. S.

INFLUENZA VACCINE

1. Before November 30^th each year provide the INFLUENZA IMMUNIZATION to all consenting residents.
2. Residents admitted between November 30^th and March 31^st, who consent to be immunized against influenza, must be immunized within 5 working days of becoming a resident.
3. This does not apply if the resident provides documentation that they have already received the INFLUENZA IMMUNIZATION, or if there are medical contraindications, or religious or personal reasons the resident chooses not to be immunized.

PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE

1. IMMEDIATELY assess all residents for eligibility to receive the PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE, and when indicated, vaccinate the residents within 60 days (July 9, 2001) after the effective date of this law (May 11, 2001).
2. Residents admitted to your facility after May 11^th must be assessed within 5 working days of their admission, and when indicated, vaccinated with the PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE within 60 days.
3. This does not apply if the resident provides documentation that they have already received the PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE, or if there are medical contraindications, or religious or personal reasons the resident chooses not to be vaccinated.

Annually, facilities must encourage and promote to its employees the benefits associated with immunizations against influenza.

Immunizations and vaccinations should be given in accordance with the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, website www.cdc.gov. Consult your Medical Director for assistance in developing policies and procedures to implement this program and consult the manufacturers guidelines for administration of the vaccines.

Residents may go to their physicians to receive the influenza immunization or pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination. When they return they must provide proof of immunization or vaccination to the facility. The Agency for Health Care Administration may adopt and enforce rules to implement this part.