COVID-19 Vaccine Update

We are thankful that there is an FDA-authorized vaccine for COVID-19. It is our hope to be transparent as we all work together to coordinate vaccines for our residents and associates. Please check back often for updates or reach out to your local Life Care center with any questions.

Todd Fletcher, President

Vaccine Update Video

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COVID-19 Vaccine

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Life Care encourages residents and associates at its affiliated facilities to make an informed decision to receive the vaccine. We have seen that COVID-19 often has a greater detrimental impact on our residents due to their underlying health conditions more than it impacts the general population.

At Life Care, we believe each individual should make informed decisions about the healthcare they receive. At this point, CMS and state governments have not mandated that healthcare workers take the vaccine in order to work in a nursing facility. Therefore, Life Care is currently encouraging all healthcare providers to take the vaccine but is not requiring it. We will continue to monitor the recommendations of CMS and individual states, and should the federal or any state government change its policy and require vaccination, Life Care will adjust its position accordingly to comply with government and legal obligations.

As with associates, Life Care believes it is vital that each individual resident and/or their legal representative make informed decisions about the healthcare the resident receives, and we also encourage them to consult with their primary physician for guidance. As such, while Life Care is encouraging all residents to take advantage of the FDA-authorized vaccines, it is not requiring residents to take the vaccine.

All of our facilities have registered to participate in the "Federal Pharmacy Partnership for COVID-19 Vaccination in Long-term Care Facilities." Our primary pharmacy partner – CVS Pharmacy – will be setting up clinics in our facilities. Injection-certified pharmacists from CVS Pharmacy will administer the vaccines, similar to getting a flu shot at your local CVS. In some locations, local health departments may vaccinate associates if available. We will provide additional information on other pharmacy partners such as Walgreens and Pharmerica at a later date.

Yes, all 208 of our facilities have registered to have the vaccine administered to associates and residents.

Vaccines have started in many of our facilities. The pharmacy is coordinating all vaccine clinics. Facilities where vaccinations have not started are working closely with their pharmacy to get their date scheduled as soon as possible.

The current FDA-authorized vaccines require two doses, and it is imperative that both doses are administered in accordance with timelines provided by the manufacturer. The timeline details of the currently approved vaccines, as well as any future vaccines, will be discussed with residents and associates during the registration and consent process.

Life Care will follow guidance from the CDC on vaccinating residents with active cases and residents who have a prior confirmed case of COVID-19.

The vaccine is free of charge to associates and residents. A resident's or associate's insurance will be billed by the administering pharmacy. For those without insurance, the administering pharmacy will work with the government’s COVID-19 Program for Uninsured Patients regarding payment.

Side effects will be shared by the drug manufacturer. As with any medication (over the counter or prescribed), there may be side effects. Life Care encourages all its residents and their families, as well as associates at local facilities, to review information from official health experts such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Medical Directors Association to make an informed decision about the vaccination.

It is our hope that the arrival of a vaccination is one of the key steps toward visitations being allowed once again in our buildings. Loved ones should contact their local Life Care center for specific visitation procedures, as it varies state to state.

No, it does not, and it cannot not give you COVID-19.

Because the vaccine is not 100% effective, we will continue to test residents and staff as directed by the state and local health departments, CMS and the CDC.

According to the CDC: "The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority. All of the vaccines that will be used have gone through the same safety tests and meet the same safety standards as other vaccines. To help make important medical products, including vaccines, available quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can use what is known as an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). For an EUA to be issued for a vaccine, for which there is adequate manufacturing information to ensure quality and consistency, FDA must determine that the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks of the vaccine. The U.S. vaccine safety system monitors the safety of all vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, to ensure they are as safe as possible. As people begin receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, CDC and FDA will continue to closely monitor vaccine safety."

Yes. It is important that we still continue all safety measures recommended by the CDC, including residents and associates in appropriate PPE. The vaccine is a useful and important tool for the pandemic, but masks and social distancing are also still important.

No. On-site clinics through the Pharmacy Partnership Program will vaccinate residents and staff of LTCFs. Residents’ families or loved ones are not eligible for this program.

Additional information and resources related to the COVID-19 vaccine:

CDC COVID-19 Website PALTC FAQ (PDF)