According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, almost two-thirds of nursing home staff in Florida chose not to get the Coronavirus vaccine when the first round of shots was offered to them. Source.
As of Tuesday, February 2, 2021, every nursing home in Florida had been offered the vaccine to both staff and residents. However, the state of Florida has not made the vaccine mandatory, and as of now, only 68% of residents and 36% of staffers have received the vaccination. In assisted living facilities, 80% of residents and 34% of staff have chosen to receive the vaccine.
The Service Employees International Union does not want to make vaccinations mandatory and is instead advocating for the vaccine and letting staff make their own choice as to whether or not they want to receive it. While the high rate of resident vaccinations is encouraging, Jeff Johnson, state director of AARP, stated that there is a concern “that there is a majority of staff that didn’t opt into the vaccine.”
With the increased risk associated with Coronavirus among nursing home residents, vaccinating long-term care staff is an important step in keeping these residents safe. Getting the vaccination is one of the most important preventive measures these workers can take in trying to stop the spread of Coronavirus among their residents.
Throughout this pandemic, the safety of nursing home residents has been more important than ever. At Beltz & Beltz, we represent the victims of abuse in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
While opting to receive the vaccine is one of the best ways to help prevent the spread of the virus, it is not mandatory in the state of Florida. If you feel that your loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect in a nursing home, contact the personal injury attorneys at Beltz & Beltz. We will fight to get justice for your family.
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