COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Progressing

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

According to a Minnesota Department of Health survey reflecting data through last Wednesday, 98% of care centers have completed two vaccination clinics, and almost all assisted living settings had completed a first clinic. Additionally, 12% of assisted living had conducted a second clinic, a number which will rise rapidly in the next couple of weeks.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) shares weekly updates of the results of their COVID-19 vaccination survey with LeadingAge Minnesota as well as a subset of results specific to LeadingAge Minnesota members. As of last week, MDH had responses from 90% of care centers and 53% of assisted living providers. Thanks to all the providers taking time to submit their information at a busy time.

First dose staff vaccination rates were 55% in all reporting care centers and 45% in all reporting assisted living settings. The difference is due to almost all care centers having completed their second clinic while assisted living providers are just starting on second clinics. The change in the data over time indicates that some care center staff who did not participate in the first round of vaccination clinics are deciding to be vaccinated when given a second opportunity, and we anticipate the assisted living staff vaccination rate will rise in coming weeks as second clinics continue. Resident vaccination rates have been high in both settings, with more than 84% of care center residents and 87% of assisted living residents having received a first dose.

Of the LeadingAge Minnesota members who responded to the survey, vaccination rates of staff and residents match very closely the statewide rates in the MDH report on all providers. Our members have 56% care center staff and 46% assisted living staff first dose rates, and our resident first dose rates are 85% in care centers and 88% in assisted living.

MDH is updating the vaccination survey this week to include questions on what providers plan to do for vaccinating new staff and residents after the third clinics have wrapped up at their sites. We have encouraged MDH to develop a plan for what happens after the third clinics are done and provided input into their process. We hope to have more information to share soon.