Vaccine allocation plans developed using principles based and feasibility frameworks, supported by surveys of healthcare providers and the public are consistent in identifying the following individuals to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination (NACI, 2020; CEP, 2020; WHO, 2020; ECDC, 2020; Ismail et al., 2020; ACID, 2020).
oThose at risk of severe illness or death if infected (LTC home residents are consistently identified as a top priority).
oHealth care providers at higher risk of exposure (vaccinate in order to preserve the workforce).
oHealth care providers at risk of transmitting to those at risk of severe illness or death, including health care workers, personal service workers, and designated caregivers.
Within those priorities, additional guidance is given to allocate vaccines to LTC homes in areas with higher community transmission rates, homes with higher resident density and lower staffing levels (Stall et al. 2020), and to residents at higher risk of poor outcomes (advanced age, non-white, male, comorbid illnesses) or at increased risk of transmitting (those with dementia who independently ambulate) (Bell et al., 2020; Ismail et al. 2020).
Feasibility of vaccine storage and transportation will limit implementation of vaccination plans to LTC residents as they may not be able to travel to the vaccination site.
Tupper, S; Ward, H; Miller, L; Mueller, M. What evidence is available to inform immunization (vaccination) planning in long-term care? 2020 Dec 22; Document no.: LTC122101 RR. In: COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews [Internet]. SK: SK COVID Evidence Support Team, c2020. 23 p. (CEST rapid review report)