MDH Reports Vaccination Rates Continue to Rise in LTC Settings

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

In the most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update, staff rates for full vaccination were 60% in all reporting care centers and 53% in all reporting assisted living settings. MDH and providers continue to work toward a goal of 70% staff vaccination rates. MDH is now limiting reporting for providers who are meeting the goal rates for residents and staff, and as of the most recent report, 31% of providers are meeting the goal.

Resident vaccination rates are well above the goal, with 85% of care center residents and 89% of assisted living residents fully vaccinated. The staff and resident vaccination rates in our membership are very similar to the overall rates. LeadingAge Minnesota members have 61% care center staff and 52% assisted living staff fully vaccinated rates, and our resident vaccination rates are 87% in care centers and 90% in assisted living.

The MDH report also looks at regional differences in vaccination rates. The Twin Cities Metro area ties the state's northeast region for having the highest staff vaccination rates, at 67% in care centers and 58% in assisted living. Meanwhile, the MDH central region, which includes St. Cloud and the Brainerd area, has the lowest rates at 46% in care centers and 39% in assisted living.

Long-term care staff vaccination rates tend to reflect the rates among the general population. According to MDH, in the general 16-and-over population in Minnesota, 60% of people have received at least one vaccine dose. That is very close to the first dose rate for all long-term care staff. The governor has indicated he will lift many restrictions when the state reaches a 70% vaccination rate, and efforts with long-term care staff are part of meeting that state goal.