GSA 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting Momentum Discussion.

Description:
The global COVID-19 pandemic put infection control and long-term care facilities at the forefront of public dialogue. The pandemic presented a perfect storm of a highly contagious disease and ageist decisions that resulted in providing limited treatment options. As the pandemic continued, issues of community infection rates, higher than usual staff turnover, and social isolation continued to present challenges to appropriate and effective care in long-term care facilities. And as COVID-19 vaccines were created and rolled out, new federal models of vaccine delivery created opportunities and challenges. Recognizing that little was known about COVID-19 in the early months of the pandemic, outbreaks of other infectious diseases are not new to long-term care facilities. Influenza presents a yearly challenge – outbreaks shut down facilities, staff vaccination rates continually remain low, and the use of enhanced influenza vaccine product that better protects older adults compared with standard dose is modest. And, unfortunately, influenza and pneumonia continue to represent the eighth leading cause of death in the US and disproportionately affect older adults, specifically those residing in long-term care facilities. Despite evidence that enhanced influenza vaccines are more effective in preventing disease and also provide a higher return on investment in maintaining the health of older adults, interest in learning about vaccines among long-term care staff and advocates has been limited.

Panelists:
Stefan Gravenstein, MD - Moderator
David S. Greer Professor of Geriatric Medicine
Director, Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care
Brown University

Carolyn Blackman, MD
Senior Vice President Medical Affairs
Genesis Healthcare

H. Edward Davidson, PharmD, MPH
Cofounder and Partner of Insight Therapeutics.
Assistant Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine
Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology
Eastern Virginia Medical School

Supporter by Sanofi

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