Coronavirus vaccinations begin at Seattle nursing home that saw first US COVID-19 deaths

Coronavirus vaccinations began Monday at the Seattle-area nursing home that experienced the U.S.’s first reported COVID-19 death, and subsequent outbreak, in the country.

The first death at Life Care Center of Kirkland, Wash., was reported almost exactly 10 months ago. More than 40 people associated with the facility later died of the coronavirus, and dozens more were sickened.

The outbreak marked the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. that has killed nearly 335,000 people. The deaths at the nursing home were a dark preview of just how deadly the virus is in long-term care facilities.

Congregate settings such as nursing homes have proved to be the most dangerous areas for COVID-19 transmission, and the elderly are most likely to face severe complications, including death, if they get the disease.

According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost 114,000 people at long-term care facilities, including staff, have died. Nationwide, only 6 percent of cases are associated with long-term care facilities, but they make up at least 39 percent of all deaths.

In Washington state, more than 50 percent of the state’s COVID-19 victims have been associated with long-term care facilities.

Monday marked the first day of coronavirus vaccinations at long-term care facilities in 36 states and the District of Columbia as part of a federal partnership with Walgreens and CVS.

The pharmacies kicked off the program in 12 states last week.

Under the program, pharmacy teams make three visits to each long-term care facility to ensure residents and staff receive their initial shot and booster. The majority of residents and staff will be fully vaccinated three to four weeks after the first visit, depending on which vaccine they receive.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended states prioritize initial doses of the two authorized vaccines for residents and staff in long-term care facilities.

There is no federal requirement that staff or residents be vaccinated against COVID-19, but experts are hoping it is widely accepted.