HCBS Vaccination Update
Vaccine Questions Added to CHHA and Hospice HERDS Survey
The Department of Health (DOH) has issued new questions for Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs) and hospices on their current Health Emergency Response Data System (HERDS) survey. The questions relate to numbers of staff (patient-facing and non-patient-facing) who are vaccinated, unvaccinated but willing to receive vaccination, and who have declined vaccination. The questions were introduced on Mon., Feb. 22nd. DOH understands that collection of this information will be a bit cumbersome but hopes to utilize the data to provide targeted vaccination for these staff populations. Member associations have asked the Department for access to this data when it becomes available. The new questions and instructions are here.
Survey Reveals 25 Percent of Home Care Staff Vaccinated Statewide
To assist statewide and regional vaccination efforts, LeadingAge NY, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA), and the New York State Association of Health Care Providers (HCP) jointly surveyed home care providers statewide to gauge the current vaccination rate of workers in every region. The survey revealed that, on average, 25 percent of home care workers in New York State have received at least an initial vaccine dose amid ongoing national distribution and supply challenges. The survey responses were from agencies representing approximately 64,000 staff throughout the state, and while just a portion of the workforce, they likely reflect the significant vaccine challenges before us for this workforce.
DOH staff and some regional hub contacts requested this data and will find it helpful in their efforts to vaccinate home care staff serving the elderly, disabled, and homebound population. While supply and scheduling challenges continue to be significant hurdles to health care worker vaccination rates statewide, hesitancy is also a major challenge. This data will assist vaccination efforts as regions create dedicated clinics, provide targeted educational resources, and establish vaccination locations convenient and accessible to home care worker populations.
NYC DOHMH Announces Vaccine Information Sessions for Home Care Workers
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) is holding COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sessions this week, and possibly next, for home care workers. The presentation will include a question and answer (Q&A) session to address questions or concerns workers might have. We encourage member agencies to inform staff of this opportunity.
Webinars will be offered in multiple languages:
- English: Tues., Feb. 23rd, 1 to 2 p.m. (Register here)
- Mandarin: Tues., Feb. 23rd, 3 to 4 p.m. (Register here)
- Spanish: Thurs., Feb. 25th, 4 to 5 p.m. (Register here)
- Russian: Fri., Feb. 26th, 3 to 4 p.m. (Register here)
The webinars will be recorded for people unable to make the above times. Please email ecabato@health.nyc.gov if you have questions about the webinars.
Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-929-9342