Encouraging Staff Vaccination in Nursing Homes Let's Protect the Health of Residents and Staff – Together! B y : Od e l i a M o r Yo s e f Ta m a r a m i r B a t e l c o h e n h a d a d Avi a l a n d a u Understanding Resident Vulnerability Our residents face unique challenges that make them especially susceptible to infections: Advanced Age A natural decline in the immune system makes older adults more vulnerable to severe illness. Underlying Health Conditions Many residents manage chronic diseases like heart, lung, kidney, or diabetes, increasing complication risks. Closed Environment Living in a communal setting significantly raises the risk of rapid infection spread and outbreaks. High Risk of Complications Even a minor infection can quickly escalate into severe health complications for our residents. Staff' s Critical Role in Infection Control As dedicated professionals in a nursing home, your daily interactions with residents and colleagues highlight your vital role in preventing the spread of illness: High Daily Exposure You interact with a large number of individuals daily, increasing the potential for disease transmission. Close Physical Contact The nature of paramedical work involves frequent, close physical contact, which demands rigorous infection control. Asymptomatic Transmission It' s possible to carry and transmit pathogens even if you don' t show any symptoms, making prevention crucial. Disproportionate Impact A mild illness for a staff member can become a severe, life - threatening condition for a vulnerable resident. Vaccination Reduces Transmission Getting vaccinated significantly curtails the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, safeguarding everyone. According to the Ministry of Health's procedure, healthcare workers have a professional, moral, and personal obligation to be vaccinated against the influenza virus Why is Vaccination Crucial? High - Risk Residents Nursing home residents are highly vulnerable to severe complications from respiratory infections. First Line of Defense Staff vaccination is the primary protective layer, significantly reducing infection risk and preventing outbreaks. Ensure Care Continuity Vaccination minimizes staff absences due to illness, ensuring uninterrupted care for residents. Meet Health Standards Adherence to Ministry of Health guidelines and maintaining high standards of quality and safety. How Do Vaccines Work? • Trains the Immune System: The vaccine teaches your immune system to recognize the virus early. • Antibody Production: Your body produces antibodies without being exposed to the actual illness. • Rapid Response: If you encounter the virus, your body reacts faster, significantly reducing infection and complications. • Safe and Monitored: Vaccine components undergo stringent quality control for your safety. Does the Vaccine Really Work? Yes. Studies worldwide and in Israel indicate: Reduction in infection rates Reduction in severe illness rates Reduction in hospitalization needs Reduction in staff absences Benefits of Vaccination Personal Protection Reduces infection, hospitalization, and severe symptoms for individuals. Resident Safeguard Protects vulnerable residents who depend on staff for their well - being. Outbreak Prevention Each vaccination breaks chains of infection, preventing widespread outbreaks. Care Continuity Fewer illnesses among staff lead to fewer sick days and consistent, reliable care. Safer Environment Provides peace of mind for families and creates a secure working environment for staff. Common Side Effects These side effects are typically mild and resolve within 24 - 48 hours. • Localized pain or swelling at the injection site • Fatigue • Mild fever • Muscle aches • Headaches Serious side effects – very rare Understanding Vaccine Considerations While vaccines offer significant benefits, it' s important to be aware of their potential temporary drawbacks. Temporary Side Effects Common, mild side effects like fever, local pain, and fatigue are temporary. Booster Doses Booster shots may be necessary to maintain and strengthen long - term protection against the virus. Not 100 % Preventative Vaccines do not prevent 100 % of infections but significantly reduce disease severity and complications. Medical Consultation Individuals with specific sensitivities should consult a doctor before vaccination. Vaccine Myths vs. Facts " Vaccines Weaken the Immune System" - Myth Fact: The immune system actually strengthens by producing antibodies, enhancing its defense capabilities. " Vaccines Cause the Disease" - Myth Fact: Vaccines do not contain live virus and therefore cannot cause the illness they protect against. " Dangerous Side Effects are Common" - Myth Fact: Most side effects are mild and temporary, indicating your immune system is building protection. " I' m Healthy/ Young – I Don' t Need It" - Myth Fact: Staff can be asymptomatic carriers, posing a significant infection risk to vulnerable residents. Vaccination as a Professional Responsibility Ethical Duty An ethical commitment to prevent harm to our beloved residents. Community Health Protecting the health of colleagues and their families, fostering a safe work environment. Professional Standard An integral part of professional standards when working with at - risk populations. Care and Leadership A clear sign of care, professionalism, and team leadership. How and When to Get Vaccinated? • Vaccination Times: 02/12/25 07:00 - 11:00 ; 14:00 - 15:00 • Location: The lobby, at the entrance to the nursing home. • No Special Preparation: No fasting or other specific preparations are required. • Medical Documentation: Please bring relevant medical documentation if you have sensitivities or chronic illnesses. Recap: Our Shared Commitment to Health and Safety Throughout this presentation, we've explored why vaccination is not just a personal choice, but a collective responsibility t hat strengthens our entire nursing home community. • Safeguarding Residents: Vaccination is our primary defense to protect our vulnerable residents from severe illness and complications. • Empowering Staff: It ensures the well - being of our dedicated staff, reducing absences and maintaining continuity of essential care. • Upholding Standards: Vaccinating upholds our professional and ethical duty, fostering a secure and healthy environment for everyone. • Building Community: By choosing to vaccinate, we contribute to a resilient, unified, and healthy nursing home community. References • Lemaitre, M., Meret , T., Rothan - Tondeur , M., Belmin , J., Lejonc , J. L., Luquel , L., ... et al. ( 2009 ). Effect of influenza vaccination of nursing home staff on mortality of residents: A cluster - randomized trial. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 57 ( 9 ), 1580 - 1586 https://doi.org/ 10.1111 /j. 1532 - 5415.2009.02402 .x • Tan, C. K., Lim, S. G., Lee, L. S., Liew, W. K., & Cheong, H. Y. ( 2022 ). A Malaysian consensus recommendation for the prevention of influenza in older persons. BMC Infectious Diseases, 22 , 943 https://doi.org/ 10.1186 /s 12879 - 022 - 07920 - 3 • Ministry of Health, Israel. ( 2024 ). Vaccination of medical staff against influenza – 2019 – 2024 : Executive summary. Jerusalem: Quality and Safety Division. https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/reports/influenza - vaccination - healthcare - workers - israel - 2019 - 2024 /he/files_publications_units_qauality_and_patient_safety_Influenza - vaccination - healthcare - workers - Israel - 2019 - 2024 - Executive - Summary.pdf • Ministry of Health, Israel. ( 2024 ). Quality national programme for influenza 2024 – 2025 . Jerusalem: Quality Assurance Division. https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/reports/quality - national - prog - flu - 2024 - 2025 /he/files_publications_units_quality_assurance_division_quality - national - prog - flu - 2024 - 2025 .pdf • Ministry of Health, Israel. ( 2025 ). Influenza vaccines — winter 2025 - 2026 preparedness and guidelines. Jerusalem: Epidemiology Division. https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/policy/influenza/he/files_publications_units_epidemiology_vaccine_guidelines_ 360 _Influenza.pdf • Ministry of Health, Israel. ( 2025 ). PHS Data Center — Flu 2025 – 2026 : Influenza season outlook and vaccine preparedness. Jerusalem, Israel. https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/reports/phs - data - center - flu - 2025 - 2026 /he/files_publications_units_health - intelligence_phs - data - center - flu - 2025 - 2026 .pdf • Ministry of Health, Israel. ( 2024 ). Influenza vaccination of healthcare workers in Israel, 2019 – 2024 : Executive summary. Jerusalem, Israel: Quality & Safety Division, Health Services Research Department. https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/reports/influenza - vaccination - healthcare - workers - israel - 2019 - 2024 /he/files_publications_units_qauality_and_patient_safety_Influenza - vaccination - healthcare - workers - Israel - 2019 - 2024 .pdf • Ministry of Health, Israel. ( 2025 ). Influenza vaccines — winter 2025 – 2026 : Preparedness guidelines (Circular MR 08 / 2025 ). Jerusalem, Israel: Epidemiology Division. https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/policy/mr 08 - 2025 /he/files_circulars_mr_mr 08 - 2025 .pdf Thank you very much! We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Remember: Our vaccination means a thousand of their smiles!