Pneumonia is the most frequent cause for transfer from nursing homes to acute care hospitals, and the most frequent cause of death among nursing home residents. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common etiologic agent of pneumonia in nursing homes and a major etiologic agent of bacteremia and meningitis. Healthy People 2010 set the goal of vaccinating 90% of institutionalized people against pneumococcal disease by the year 2010. In 2001, with an estimate of 24% coverage, the U.S. is well below the stated goal. A survey assessing knowledge about pneumococcal vaccine (PPV), beliefs about pneumococcal disease and use of PPV in nursing homes, and adequacy of institutional policies was conducted, and associations between knowledge, beliefs, policies and vaccination level were calculated. The survey was mailed to 291 randomly selected Pennsylvania nursing homes; 176 (60.5%) completed surveys. Results show that staff members are knowledgeable about the vaccine and recommendations, but not about financial reimbursement. Pneumonia, but not invasive pneumococcal disease, is believed to be a serious threat to residents, and vaccination is believed to be important, safe, and cost effective. The presence of a written policy, knowledge about the vaccine, belief in the importance of vaccinating residents, and belief in the effectiveness of PPV were associated with higher vaccination levels. Results suggest that efforts to increase use of PPV in nursing homes should consider knowledge and beliefs about the vaccine, and institutional policies directing its use.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the knowledge and beliefs of nursing home staff regarding vaccination of residents 2. Recognize barriers to vaccination in nursing homes. 3. Develop systems to increase use of pneumococcal vaccine in nursing homes.
Keywords: Nursing Homes, Immunizations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.