September 9, 2021 Washington, DC—A national aging services leader lauded the federal government’s announcement today that it would require all frontline health care staff and contractors at most providers receiving federal funding to be vaccinated against COVID-19—expanding a similar mandate for nursing home staff announced on August 18.

“Ensuring that all frontline health care staff are vaccinated just makes sense,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge, which represents more than 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers, including nursing homes, home health and hospice providers, as well as senior living communities.

“This action not only shores up protection for older adults who move across care settings, but also levels the playing field among providers competing for in-demand health care workers,” said Sloan.  In an August 23 letter, Sloan called on CMS to broaden its original nursing home-only mandate.

By expanding vaccine mandates in health care settings, the president’s plan will create a consistent standard and give older adults greater protection, no matter where they receive care. Vaccine mandates for federal employees and workers at  businesses with 100+ employees further protect older adults throughout the community. 

“The breadth of President Biden’s COVID-19 action plan will protect older adults and save many, many lives,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge, which represents more than 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers, including nursing homes, home health and hospice providers, as well as senior living communities. “This is the right next step to get COVID-19 under control.

Sloan also praised other measures announced by the government today, including a nationwide distribution system to provide free boosters for all Americans once they are approved.

We represent more than 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers and other mission-minded organizations that touch millions of lives every day. Alongside our members and 38 state partners, we use applied research, advocacy, education, and community-building to make America a better place to grow old. Our membership, which now includes the providers of the Visiting Nurse Associations of America, encompasses the continuum of services for people as they age, including those with disabilities. We bring together the most inventive minds in the field to lead and innovate solutions that support older adults wherever they call home. For more information visit leadingage.org.