Harrisburg, PA – Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam today issued a new Order requiring skilled nursing facilities to complete a COVID-19 Vaccine Needs Assessment Survey as a way to report essential information regarding vaccination uptake and needs in their facility. This data will inform the department’s approach to ensure all current and future residents and staff have continued access to COVID-19 vaccine, following the completion of the Federal Pharmacy Partnership.
“Skilled nursing facilities have been greatly impacted by COVID-19 since the beginning, as the virus spread rapidly within congregate care settings,” Acting Secretary Beam said. “After the federal government issued emergency use authorizations for select COVID-19 vaccine, we prioritized residents and staff within these facilities to get the vaccine to help slow the spread. We recognize the tireless efforts made by health care professionals throughout this current emergency, which is why it is necessary for skilled nursing facilities to work with us by providing the most accurate vaccination information so we can effectively manage vaccine supply for all current and future residents and staff.
The Order, issued by the Acting Secretary, requires skilled nursing facilities to report information to the department to determine the status and facility needs for vaccination of residents and staff of skilled nursing facilities. The Order states:
- All skilled nursing facilities licensed in the commonwealth must complete the initial, and any subsequent surveys.
- Skilled nursing facilities must complete the required fields in the initial survey by March 23, 2021.
- Due dates for responses to subsequent survey requests will be determined by the department, as needed.
All skilled nursing facilities in the commonwealth have had at least two vaccine clinics through the Federal Pharmacy Partnership with vaccine allocated by the department. The Order will ensure that ongoing and new vaccine needs at these facilities, whether for new employees, new residents, or other circumstances, continue to be met efficiently with targeted allocations.
“Demand for COVID-19 vaccinations has stretched the limits of the vaccine supply, both across the country and in the commonwealth,” Acting Secretary Beam said. “To continue to distribute the vaccine effectively and efficiently across Pennsylvania, it is important that we receive information about vaccine uptake and needs of all skilled nursing facilities.”
While vaccine supply from the federal government remains limited, the Department of Health is working to ensure the vaccine is provided in a way that is ethical, equitable, and efficient. To keep Pennsylvanians informed about vaccination efforts:
The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
- If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
- Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.
Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics
MEDIA CONTACT: Barry Ciccocioppo, ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
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