Immunizations Among Virginia's Top 10 Deficiencies

VHCA (9/7/2007)

Influenza and pneumococcal immunization (F334) is currently one of the top ten deficiencies cited in Virginia nursing facilities §483.25(n)).  The majority of these citations address fact that the resident or the resident’s legal representative did not receive education concerning the benefits and potential side effects of the immunization.  This leads to a concern regarding the resident/family consent or right to refuse.

Remember:
The facility must develop policies and procedures to ensure that

(1) Before offering the influenza and/or pneumococcal immunization, each resident or the resident’s legal representative receives education regarding the benefits and potential side effects of the immunization;

(2) Each resident is offered an influenza immunization October 1 through March 31 annually, unless the immunization is medically contraindicated or the resident has already been immunized during this time period;

(3) Each resident is offered a pneumococcal immunization unless the immunization is medically contraindicated or the resident has already be immunized

(4) The resident or the resident’s legal representative has the opportunity to refuse immunization; and

(5) The resident’s medical record includes documentation that indicates, at a minimum, the following:

• That the resident or resident’s legal representative was provided
  education regarding the benefits and potential side effects of influenza
  immunization.
• That the resident either received the influenza/pneumococcal immunization or did not receive the influenza immunization due to medical contraindications or refusal.