Flu shots for homebound?

DragonPurr · Oct 12, 2011

Umm, can't think of why they won't do it unless they just don't want to order and store vaccine. RN's can certainly transport vaccine off site, cause I do it all the time. Certain precautions must be taken for safe and proper transport, but it's not difficult.

The health department where I work has a home health department attached and our hh nurses take flu vaccine out to their patients whenever it is requested. Also, as part of my public health responsibilities I incorporate a few dates during flu season to visit homebound patients in the community who request flu vaccinations but who may not be on any service at the time. Maybe the company just doesn't want to put out the extra effort.

Not sure what their explainations may be but I'm sure it makes sense to someone in their organization.

Isabelle49 · Oct 12, 2011

What are some reasons a client currently receiving SN and PT visits from a Medicare Certified Home Health Agency in Florida would not be offered the flu shot? I'm looking for the logistical or profit driven or Medicare rule reasons that seemingly must be there for the Agency to not offer this service to clients. Its a rule for all clients, not just this one.
The client gets the flu vaccine every year, wants one this year, but the current Medicare Home Health Agency won't do it.
What could be the reason(s)? I am certainly stumped. Is it the transportation of the vaccine to the home that's out of scope for an RN? Could a family member fill a prescription for a Fluzone single dose vial or syringe at a pharmacy, transport it to the home, and then the nurse give it? Options anyone? Thanks.

The single reason would be financial. I don't think the HH agency can be reimbursed for the vaccine.

Isabelle49 · Oct 12, 2011

I the past I have been able to contact the homebound patient's individual primary doc and have been able to obtain the vaccine from them along with paperwork to complete and return. Worked well for a few patients.

KateRN1 · Oct 12, 2011

The agency must have a license to store and transport medications. Our agency does not, so we do not provide flu vaccines. In theory, we will administer a flu shot if the patient has a physician's order and the vaccine in the home. However, flu vaccine generally comes in a multi-dose vial, and I've never actually seen a single-use vial of flu vaccine, so in practice we haven't done it.

caliotter3 · Oct 12, 2011

My home health clients all get their flu shots during routine visits to their PCP. The agency really does not get involved.

CabanaDay · Oct 13, 2011

However, flu vaccine generally comes in a multi-dose vial, and I've never actually seen a single-use vial of flu vaccine, so in practice we haven't done it.

Strange how experience varies. Last year I received my flu shot at a popular pharmacy chain's clinic from a single dose vial. This year was from a popular grocery store pharmacy via a Fluvirin single-dose syringe.

In the intervening days from my initial post, I returned to the store and asked the Pharmacist who administered my vaccine this year if he could fill a prescription for a 0.5-mL single dose prefilled syringe and have it covered by Medicare. He seemed intrigued by the question and asked me to check back with him.

The agency must have a license to store and transport medications.

The crazy thing about that is it is within my scope and job description (HH Aide) to run errands for HH Agency clients. This includes picking up prescriptions at the pharmacy.

In theory, we will administer a flu shot if the patient has a physician's order and the vaccine in the home.

Perhaps there is a solution after all. The HH Agency agrees with you on that.

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Oct 15, 2011

Strange how experience varies. Last year I received my flu shot at a popular pharmacy chain's clinic from a single dose vial. This year was from a popular grocery store pharmacy via a Fluvirin single-dose syringe.
In the intervening days from my initial post, I returned to the store and asked the Pharmacist who administered my vaccine this year if he could fill a prescription for a 0.5-mL single dose prefilled syringe and have it covered by Medicare. He seemed intrigued by the question and asked me to check back with him.

When my mother got her shingles vaccine 2 years ago, her MD gave her a script for it. She got it filled at a pharmacy (it had to be ordered), then taken back to the MD's office to be administered. Medicare paid for it.

indbletrble · Oct 16, 2011

My agency provides the flu shot to any of our home health patients that want to receive it. This is a reimburseable procedure by Medicare. As Medicare is federal, there is no reason the patient cannot receive it in the home. I am only clear with my State regulations so cannot speak for your state. Is there something in your state regulations that prohibits it?

In addition we also give it to any caregiver who wants to receive it....whether they have Medicare or not. If they are a Medicare recipient we bill Medicare. If they are not, they pay for the injection and we give them a receipt to submit to their insurance carrier for reimbursement.

We have assisted living facilities as well as senior apartment complexes call us each year to set up clinics for their residents. Again....there is no charge for Medicare residents. Not only are we providing a service for our home care patients, but we are making our presence known in the community. Keeping one of them out of the hospital from flu related complications makes it all worth it.

lqualls · Oct 5, 2016

Is this a regulation only in Florida? I am located in Indiana but cannot find this information that states agencies cannot transport or store medications. Do you have any resources you could provide to me?

lqualls · Oct 5, 2016

Can Home Health Agencies in Indiana provide flu shots to their patients?

Libby1987 · Oct 6, 2016

Flu vaccination is one of Medicare 5 star criteria, I bet OP's agency has since found a way to provide the vaccine.