The Baker-Polito Administration announced plans yesterday to require COVID-19 vaccination for all staff at rest homes, assisted living residences (ALRs), hospice programs, as well as for home care workers (HCWs) providing in-home, direct care services. The plan to expand the vaccine requirement for caregivers is subject to Public Health Council (PHC) approval and is part of the Administration’s continued effort to protect older adults against COVID-19. Last month, the Administration announced a vaccine requirement for employees of skilled nursing facilities. For more information about the expanded vaccine requirement, please click here.
Tara Gregorio, President of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association provided a statement in yesterday’s State House News Service article, "The Governor's action today, further expanding the COVID-19 vaccination mandate to include all eldercare workers, is critically important to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens across the Commonwealth, including our vulnerable skilled nursing facility residents and dedicated staff. The Governor's announcement will create parity, transparency, and accountability within the entire health care system, which is ultimately to the benefit of consumers and their caregivers."
Thank you for your continued advocacy in Mass Senior Care’s efforts to urge Governor Baker and lawmakers to further protect residents and consumers by expanding the vaccine mandate to include healthcare and eldercare staff in the Commonwealth.