Interim Guidance for Influenza Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care and Post-Acute Care Facilities

Interim Guidance for Influenza Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care and Post-Acute Care Facilities

This year it is more important than ever to manage influenza outbreaks in your LTC facility.  WA State Dept of Health is urging all healthcare workers and residents in LTC settings be immunized for influenza, especially since this year we also have COVID-19 circulating in the communities.  There is discussion at the State level to make these vaccinations required for LTC healthcare workers.

The flu vaccine is your best protection against flu

  • DOH recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone aged six-months and older, including pregnant and nursing women. If you are 65 or older, talk to your provider about flu vaccine and other important vaccines for your age group.
  • It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to protect you from flu. The flu vaccine does NOT protect against coronavirus, colds, or other viruses that cause respiratory illness.
  • The flu vaccine keeps many people from getting the flu. Some people who get the flu vaccine may still get sick. If you do get the flu, the vaccine will help reduce the severity of your illness. It will also lower your chance of needing to go to the hospital.
  • When you get the flu vaccine you will also protect your family and community.
  • You can also stop flu by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, and staying home when you are sick. Cloth face coverings (masks) help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the flu.

What’s new for flu 2020-2021

It’s best to get vaccinated for flu by the end of October. Please follow new safety measures to give vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please see further information at DOH – Flu News

 

Questions?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804