As Calls for Vaccine Mandates Increase, HCAOA Offers Members New Resources

As the country continues to see spikes in cases of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, many health care organizations are announcing they are mandating that their frontline workers get the COVID-19 vaccine. As the premier national trade association for home care organizations, HCAOA respects the decision of each individual organization and the decision of each employee regarding vaccination. HCAOA continues to be a staunch supporter of the vaccine and urges all members to continue efforts to educate workers and encourage them to get the vaccine. Several new resources are now available, including suggested talking points and messages for caregivers, clients, and the general community.

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“Throughout the pandemic, home care aides prove their value every day by caring for seniors and people with disabilities in their own homes,” said HCAOA Executive Director Vicki Hoak. “In fact, home care is the prescription for seniors, the most vulnerable to the virus: ‘stay home, away from crowds’ and ‘monitor any changes of condition.’ That’s what our frontline workers do every day!

“We follow universal precautions and CDC guidance on handwashing and other infection control measures,” she added. “We use masks and other PPE, and spend many hours each day monitoring conditions not just of our clients, but our workers, too. We continue these safety practices today with one more tool – the COVID-19 vaccine.”

From the day the vaccine was available, HCAOA urged members to educate caregivers about the vaccine and encourage them to get the shot. HCAOA launched a full-scale campaign to provide essential information about the safety and benefits of the vaccine, debunk myths with scientific data, and support peer-to-peer communication about the vaccine. 

Click here to visit the COVID-19 resource page for members.