As the Coronavirus continues to spread and new variants continue to rise, Florida accounted for twenty-one percent of all nursing home resident deaths and seventeen percent of staff deaths due to the virus across the United States. Source.
During the four-week period ending on August 22, 2021, a total of 237 seniors and thirteen staff members died as a result of COVID-19, which was the largest number of deaths in the state for this demographic during the period.
Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida state director, stated that “These sadly predictable trends are also preventable. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated.” Unfortunately, nursing home staff members are far behind the national vaccination rates, potentially leaving nursing home residents at a higher risk of contracting the virus.
With the Biden administration mandate requiring nursing home staff vaccinations, these facilities are working to incentivize their staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine. However, with twenty-two percent (22%) of Florida nursing homes already experiencing staffing shortages, it is unclear what toll the vaccine mandate will have on nursing homes.
With nursing home residents already being one of the most vulnerable populations for contracting COVID-19, it can be concerning to learn that vaccination rates among staff members are so low in Florida. By remaining unvaccinated, staff members could potentially be putting your loved ones at risk.
At Beltz & Beltz, our personal injury attorneys represent the victims – and the families of the victims – of nursing home abuse. If your loved one is residing in a nursing home and you find that they are not being properly cared for, contact our office. Our team of experienced attorneys will work hard to get your family the justice you deserve.
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