The National Governors Association (NGA) and state governors from the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) urging states to prioritize COVID-19 vaccine distribution to all long term care facilities.
In a letter penned by AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson sent to all state governors, people living in these facilities are the most susceptible to not only catching the virus, but also to die from it
. Parkinson said that the average age of residents in long term care facilities is 85 and almost every one of them has an underlying health condition, and some have multiple chronic conditions. According to CDC data, the risk of mortality in this age group is 630 times higher than those 18-29 years old.
Parkinson also says that they are “ready to work with [state leaders] to help provide education and facilitate resources to long term care facilities regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, once it becomes available.”
