More providers are to assess their care teams directly for immunity to measles and to promote vaccination with the number of cases that have passed 700 states across 25 states, the Acute and Long-Term Medical Association said.
Cases from Alaska to Florida have been tracked as of last week, with the state and surrounding area concentrated in and around Texas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Last month, the CDC declined to publish updated risk assessments and vaccination recommendations. However, aging services organizations are stepping into the vacuum, urging providers to stay vigilant and active.
“It is estimated that, given age, the majority of long-term care and post-acute residents are immunized to measles, but setting up staff and pediatric care remains at risk,” a new Paltmed statement said.
The Federal Advisory Board cites the recommendation that health facilities consider vaccinating all non-vaccinated healthcare workers born before 1957 who have no laboratory evidence of laboratory confirmation for measles, mumps, and/or rubella immunity or disease.
Typically, older people will be immune to measles that have been given extensive exposure in the decades before the vaccine begins. However, people born after 1957 and vaccinated before 1968 may need additional shots. Those vaccinated between 1968 and 1989 may also require boosters.
The struggle for support
Avoiding weak cases of measles is important for those who work with immune-promoting patients. However, in some areas, efforts to ensure staff remained healthy have been challenging.
Texas president and CEO George Linal said most of his members raised concerns about immunity between patients. However, some people were encouraging staff to consider their vaccination needs.
However, the state cancelled a series of measles vaccine clinics earlier this month after federal grant funds were withdrawn.
As of Thursday, Texas alone had recorded 561 measles cases. Of these, more than 150 were adults, but no further age collapse was offered.
Outbreaks are difficult to manage locally without the vaccine coverage threshold required to maintain herd immunity. This was an issue identified in several areas that are currently being affected in Texas and elsewhere.
Infection control and vaccination efforts are important to stop the spread, including limiting the likelihood of exposure in nursing homes.
Last month's national consumer voice for quality long-term care reminded patients and families that residents should talk directly to healthcare providers about whether they need a vaccine or booster. It also emphasizes that federal regulations require facilities to seek infection prevention and control programs that function to prevent, recognize and control the onset and spread of infectious diseases.
Last year, the American Medical Association prepared new measles resources for providers and continues to recognize outbreaks for providers. Like Covid, high prevalence in disease communities can lead to higher risks within certain buildings, allowing for overlapping double extension strategies for infection control and vaccination.
“Vaccinations are extremely safe and effective, and we continue to educate and encourage residents and staff about the importance of vaccination,” the association told McKnight's Long-Term Care News. “It takes collective effort to create immunity for herds. We all need to play a role in keeping others safe.”
