Providers and MDH Continue Working Toward Vaccination Goal

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

In the most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update, staff rates for full vaccination were 58% in all reporting care centers and 49% in all reporting assisted living settings. These numbers both increased 1% from the previous week. To reach the MDH goal of 70% staff vaccination rates, providers will need to continue encouraging vaccinations among staff. MDH is now limiting reporting for providers who are meeting the goal rates for residents and staff, and as of the most recent report, 26% of providers are meeting the goal.

Resident vaccination rates are well above the goal, with 83% of care center residents and 87% of assisted living residents fully vaccinated. The LeadingAge Minnesota staff and resident vaccination rates are identical to the all provider group for staff but slightly higher for residents. Our members have 58% care center staff and 49% assisted living staff fully vaccinated rates, and our resident vaccination rates are 85% in care centers and 88% in assisted living.

The MDH report also looks at regional differences in vaccination rates. The Twin Cities Metro area has the highest staff vaccination rates of any region, at 66% in care centers and 54% in assisted living. Meanwhile, the MDH central region, which includes St. Cloud and the Brainerd area, has the lowest rates at 44% in care centers and 38% in assisted living.

To increase LTC staff vaccination rates, MDH is reaching out to assist those providers who have so far achieved the lowest rates. More than 40% of providers are at less than 50% staff vaccination, and MDH is contacting those providers to talk about strategies to try and increase those vaccination rates.