While so many people are clamoring to get the coronavirus vaccine, a surprising amount of eligible people are turning it down.
Nursing homes have proved to be one of the highest risk places during the pandemic, and residents have been at the top of the priority list for vaccines.
According to a new survey by the CDC, 78 percent of residents at more than 11,000 long term care facilities have received at least their first dose, but only 38 percent of workers accepted them when offered. Many were worried about side effects, but others cited misinformation about the drugs.
Dr. Charlene Harrington, a UCSF Professor Emeritus in the school of nursing who specializes in nursing home care, said it demonstrates the need for more education on the vaccine even among healthcare workers.
"Nursing homes, 60% of the staff are aides that only have two weeks of training. They have very little training and education."
The CDC said it needs to do more to combat misinformation and educate people on what to expect with the vaccine.
"They don’t want to just come in and mandate that they have to have it," said Professor Harrington. "Although it’s really important that they do for the safety of the residents. But that’s the job of the nursing homes to try to educate people."
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She said one facility in the East Bay was able to get 100 percent of its staff vaccinated, but "the owner also gave them $100 gift cards."
Alameda County officials say that nine percent of its vaccine appointments go unused, partly because of healthcare workers who do not show up for their shots.
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