Health officials say the coronavirus is not as prevalent in long-term care facilities, and there have been no new deaths for residents reported in recent weeks. Health officials say more than 77 percent of long-term care residents have gotten the coronavirus vaccine, but less than half of employees have been vaccinated. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the high vaccination rates among residents have helped to curb the spread in the facilities that house Mississippi's most vulnerable residents.
"And if you had to consider which factors were going to be the most impactful, it's going to be within the resident. You know, a rising tide lifts all ships, and less transmission and less people that have COVID-19, the less likely they'll spread it. So it's a positive feedback cycle that we need to really engage aggressively and it takes everybody getting their shot."
Some healthcare experts are asking if requiring employees to get the vaccine is the way to improve vaccination rates. Tony Hamrick, President of the Mississippi Healthcare Association says he disagrees with mandatory vaccinations and says education is the best path forward. But Hamrick says some facilities are adopting policies typically used to encourage flu vaccinations as a middle ground.
"Many companies are saying 'Well that's your choice, but if you have to go home due to contracting COVID-19, there won't be a benefit for you.' Even though you have a sick benefit there to pay for that [leave], you will not be allowed to use that to subsidize your income."
Hamrick says the decline in coronavirus transmission at long-term care facilities have allowed restrictions to be lowered on visitation. He says some facilities require a rapid coronavirus screening test to have indoor visits.
