Six Questions to Ask About Booster Shots if Your Loved One Is in a Nursing Home

Posted on 10/21/21

Photo courtesy of FatCamera (GettyImages)

The FDA has authorized, and the CDC has recommended an additional dose of the Pfizer vaccine for adults 65+ and certain high-risk adult populations who have been fully vaccinated for at least six months. AARP is providing information and resources about the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot to help older Ohioans, and their families, protect themselves from the virus and prevent it from spreading to others. If you have a spouse, sibling, parent, or other loved one in a nursing home, you may be worried about their safety and well-being because of the coronavirus pandemic. AARP has developed key questions for you to ask the nursing home.

1. Are you administering the COVID-19 booster shot in your facility?

  • When will residents receive their booster shot?
  • What is the facility doing to educate residents on booster shot safety and effectiveness?


2. What do I need to do to ensure my loved one gets a booster shot?

  • Are there any special requirements if my loved one did not receive their initial vaccinations at the facility where they are now living?
  • Is there a fee or insurance information required to receive the booster shot?


3. Are you starting with the highest risk residents?

  • What are the high-risk criteria
  • How do I know that my loved one is eligible for a booster?


4. Is your staff eligible to get the booster shot?

  • When will they receive their booster shot?

    What are you doing to encourage vaccine and booster compliance with staff in your facility?


5. How is your facility communicating when my loved one receives the booster shot?

  • Will I be notified once they receive the booster?
  • Will you update their medical records?


6. Do you have the percentage of booster shots administered publicly available for family caregivers?

  • Where can I find this info and how often will it be updated?
  • Does this include information on the percentage of staff vaccines and booster shots?

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This story is provided by AARP Ohio. Visit the AARP Ohio page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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