Ongoing staffing struggles in the long-term care industry are preventing some providers from making the COVID-19 vaccine a condition of employment for their workers.
In Maine, for example, a new industry survey found that 60% of respondents want to implement a vaccine mandate for staff but staffing shortages amid the rise of the highly transmissible delta variant is steering them away from doing so, the Bangor Daily News reported.
So far, about 71% of nursing home workers in the state have been fully vaccinated, which is much higher than the national rate of 59%. One administration told the news organization a state or federal requirement is likely needed. Otherwise, his facility could lose experienced staffers if the policy is pushed by only the company.
“I wish I knew what it would take to get folks to get vaccinated,” he told local media.
In other COVID-19 mandate news, Massachusetts is now requiring nursing home staff and contract employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations.
Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced the requirement Wednesday. The measure applies to all of the state’s 378 facilities and two Soldiers’ Homes.
The policy requires employees to get their first shots by Sept. 1, with full vaccination to be completed by Oct. 10. The Department of Public Health will enforce the mandate as an order in provider-operated skilled nursing homes.
Exemptions will be offered to those with medical restrictions or sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent vaccination.
