Flu vaccination questions added to EMResource reporting

 

To: Residential Care Facilities (nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and intermediate care facilities)   From: CDPHE Residential Care Strike Team   Co-circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and others could place stress on healthcare systems this fall and winter. This early increase in disease incidence highlights the importance of optimizing respiratory virus prevention and treatment measures, including prompt vaccination and antiviral treatment. Due to the increase in respiratory disease outbreaks, CDPHE has added questions to EMResource to better understand influenza vaccination rates in residential care facilities.  Flu vaccination to protect against the flu and EMResource reporting of resident/staff flu vaccinations Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm. The vast majority of people who get the flu vaccine have no side effects. With both influenza and COVID-19 circulating, getting both vaccines (flu vaccine and COVID-19 omicron dose) is important to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death. It is safe to get the COVID and flu vaccines at the same time. Getting both vaccines at the same visit increases the chance that a person will be up to date with their vaccinations.  Flu resources: https://fluvaxcolorado.org/ COVID-19 and flu vaccine - Introduction and call to action Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination toolkit for businesses The following two questions have been added to the EMResource situational awareness reporting system and should be answered based on current residents and current staff flu vaccination status for this 2022-2023 flu season. Flu Vaccinated Staff Definition: Number of current staff that have received the influenza (flu) vaccine since the influenza vaccine became available this season.  Flu Vaccinated Residents Definition: Number of current residents that have received the influenza (flu) vaccine since influenza vaccine became available this season.  EMResource reporting reminder and resources Juvare/EMResource reporting periods are twice-monthly. All questions and previous answers should be reviewed and updated during each reporting period even if your responses have not changed.   To ensure you are updating all reporting fields in the event, follow the below steps:   - Locate your facility name and click on the keys icon next to your facility - Click on ‘Select All’ in the top left corner of the Update Status pop-up - Update the fields where your data has changed. If your data has not changed since your last update, feel free to leave that reporting as is. Click the ‘Save’ button at the bottom of the pop-up to save your updated reporting.   The first report shall occur during the reporting period one, which is defined as the first (1st) day through the fourteenth (14th) day of the month. The second report shall occur during the reporting period two, which is defined as the fifteenth (15th) day through the last day of the month. Multiple reports received during a reporting period shall be counted for that reporting period only. However, facilities are required to report resident and staff vaccine doses into Juvare/EMResource when changes occur and as soon as possible after vaccine clinics or vaccine doses are completed.  Helpful EMResource resources o   The EMResource Access form can be completed here for first-time users in EMResource (complete one form for each team member that needs access). o   Log in through the EMResource login page. o   Retrieve your user name. o   Reset your account password. o   Training/support materials by facility type are outlined in the EMResource Guidance Document.  Questions? Email residentialcarestriketeam@state.co.us