December 16, 2022 Washington, DC — Statement from Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, including nursing homes, on today’s announcement from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention on changes to policy that now enable long-term care providers to administer COVID-19 vaccines to all residents and staff. 

“Our mission-driven nonprofit members know what’s needed to stay healthy and limit the potential of illness from COVID-19. Getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date on boosters is critical – which is why we have urged the Biden Administration, in our All-Hands-On-Deck campaign proposal, to eliminate the barriers that limit older adults’ vaccine access. 

Today’s announcement from the CDC is truly a positive step, and a demonstration of the good that results when government and providers collaborate to reach a shared goal: keeping older adults, professional caregivers and communities safe,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, including nursing homes. “Although not all nursing homes have the ability to store vaccines and the staff needed to be designated as vaccinators, the change moves us in the right direction. 

This is an advocacy success. We will continue to advocate for and partner with the CDC, the Department of Health & Human Services, and the White House COVID-19 response team on additional actions, as outlined in our All-Hands-On-Deck campaign proposal, that remove challenges and increase booster uptake.”    

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.