The WORLD 092921

AHCA/NCAL Applauds CDC, FDA for Approving a Pfizer Booster Shot for
Long Term Care Residents, Workers
The American Health Care Association and National
Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing
more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities
across the country that provide care to approximately
five million people each year, released the following statement
in response to the recommendations by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve a booster shot of
the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups of
individuals, including residents and health care workers in
long term care.
The following statement is attributable to Dr. David
Gifford, chief medical officer of AHCA/NCAL:
“On behalf of the long term care industry, we appreciate the
FDA and CDC for recognizing the threat of waning COVID-
19 immunity and high-risk exposure. The FDA and CDC’s
review of the data reiterates how incredibly effective and safe
the COVID-19 vaccines are and how the booster shot will
help continue to keep our residents and staff safe. This decision
is another layer of protection that we need to fight this
virus that uniquely targets our vulnerable long term care
population.
“Long term care facilities stand ready to help facilitate
booster shots to those residents and staff who received the
Pfizer vaccine earlier this year. Virtually all nursing homes
and some assisted living communities already have steady
access to COVID-19 vaccines through a long term care pharmacy,
and we anticipate the booster shot process will be
fairly straightforward and the vaccines will be available
quickly for these providers.
“For those assisted living communities and other senior
living settings that may not have a relationship with a long
term care pharmacy, we appreciate the federal government
helping many of these providers connect with a specific local
pharmacy or vaccine provider. We also call on state governments
to help coordinate distribution and administration of
booster shots to these senior living settings.
“Long term care facilities are diverse, so a one-size-fits-all
approach will not work for a booster shot rollout. We must
consider things like the size and location of the facility, the
acuity of the residents, the number of new admissions, and
more. AHCA/NCAL continues to engage with public health
officials to help advise and streamline the process for administering
booster shots considering these factors.
“We also recognize that we must continue to increase vaccination
rates, especially among our long term care workers.
These efforts have never waned, and we continue to make
progress every day. The data also shows that cases in nursing
homes will persist when community transmission is high.
Therefore, we need a collective approach to improve vaccine
confidence and uptake in every community.”
Suicide Prevention
Awareness Month – Know
How to Make a Difference
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness
Month, and the state’s mental health and public health officials
are asking all Vermonters to take this time to learn about
the supports available for themselves or people they know
who may be at risk of suicide.
Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in Vermont, and
the second leading cause of death among Vermonters ages 15
to 34.
Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health Alison Krompf
stated that suicide prevention is a primary concern for the
state. “Far too many of us have experienced these losses firsthand,”
said Krompf. “Reaching out, staying connected,
checking in with each other – all of these are important pieces
in how we care for one another. Our sense of community in
Vermont is strong and enduring, and each of us play an important
part in reducing the risk of suicide.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a host of additional
challenges and stressors, from isolation to the ability to access
and provide direct services, especially for people who are suffering
or living with additional risk factors.
Krompf noted that the key to successful support ranges
from the use of professional services, to building and maintaining
community connection, to projects like Zero Suicide
that involve all touch points throughout the healthcare system
and society. “We understand the need to ensure we have supports
and services available, which is why we are emphasizing
the importance of our statewide network of community
mental health workers and community-based partners. The
goal is for Vermonters to have help available anytime and
anywhere.”
“Being present and knowing how to recognize the warning
signs when someone is in crisis can make the difference
between tragedy and a loved one getting the help they need,”
said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “Just as we
have seen with the substance use crisis, it’s important for
families, friends and peers to be there for the people you know
and love. Suicide is a complex problem, which means preventing
suicide must occur at the individual, interpersonal,
community and societal levels.”
Vermonters can tap into a broad range of resources, including
the state’s network of local designated and specialized
service agencies, and national services such as the Trevor
Project and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which
provide 24/7 support.
“Suicide is not just a mental health issue; it’s also a public
health issue. Let’s take this opportunity to normalize the way
we connect around our mental health needs,” said Krompf. “A
quick call, a short message – these small acts matter.”
If you, or someone you know is thinking about or planning
to take their own life, there is help available:
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-
8255. Counselors are available 24/7 to provide free and confidential
support. In an emergency, you can also call 9-1-1 or
go to your nearest emergency department. Visit vtspc.org/
suicide-resources/get-help/ for additional resources.
• Text the Crisis Text Line – text “VT” to 741741 anywhere
in the U.S. about any type of crisis. Get immediate counseling
and support through text messaging.
• Trevor Project: LGBTQ+ Crisis Lifeline: 1-866-488-7368
• Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1
• 10 community mental health centers located around the
state offer crisis services and ongoing supports. Go to mentalhealth.vermont.gov/individuals-and-families.
• Talk to a family member, friend, health care provider, a
faith leader, teacher or coach
Asking someone about suicide, or talking about it, does not
increase the risk of suicide. Whatever the concern, it is important
to talk with children, teens, and young adults early, listen
non-judgmentally, and offer help when someone is struggling
or comes to you for support. This connection can give them a
chance to discuss it again in the future.
For Health Department data and information about suicide
and injury prevention, visit healthvermont.gov/health-statistics-vital-records/surveillance-reporting-topic/injuries.
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September 29, 2021 The WORLD page 11