(HealthDay News) — Vaccination coverage against COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is low among nursing home residents at the start of the 2024-2025 season, according to research published in the Nov. 21 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Noting that nursing homes are required to report coverage of COVID-19 vaccination and may report coverage of influenza and RSV vaccination, Hannah E. Reses, MPH, of the Atlanta CDC, and colleagues examined coverage of COVID-19 vaccination, influenza and RSV among healthcare workers. residents at home at the start of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 season, using data reported to CDC’s National Health Safety Network.

Researchers found that 29.7% of nursing home residents received a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine as of November 10, 2024. Among residents at 59.4 and 51.8% of facilities that chose to report influenza and RSV vaccination, 58.4 and 17.9% received influenza and RSV vaccination, respectively. Variation in vaccination coverage was observed by US Department of Health and Human Services region, social vulnerability index level, and facility size.

“The majority of nursing home residents were not afforded the protection afforded by vaccination against severe COVID-19, influenza, and RSV disease during the 2024-25 respiratory virus season,” the authors write. “Tackling low vaccination coverage against COVID-19, influenza and RSV must be a priority.”

One author has disclosed links to the pharmaceutical industry.

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