Health and Medical Administration Commons^™

Protocol To Increase Administration Of Herpes Zoster Vaccine In A Long-Term Care Facility, Stephen Mbola Dnp, Rn, Anp-Bc

Journal of Nursing & Interprofessional Leadership in Quality & Safety

Although the herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine to decrease the incidence of Shingles was licensed for use in 2008, little coverage for HZ vaccination has occurred and stands nationally at 16%. At a targeted nursing home and assisted living facility, a protocol for including HZ along with state-mandated vaccinations was devised and used in screening incoming residents. Baseline data from chart reviews (n=122) showed that despite treatments given for the infection in the preceding 12 months, no vaccinations had occurred. During a 6-month implementation period, all new residents meeting eligibility criteria were offered the HZ vaccination. In this period, four residents …