According to a research letter published in The Lancet, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) UCLH Biomedical Research Centre states that levels of antibodies in the blood of vaccinated people, able to recognize and fight the new SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant are lower than those against previously circulating variants. Additionally, the level of antibodies is lower with increasing age and decline over time.

So what does this mean to us? We have centers full of seniors who are fully vaccinated however we also have staff members and visitors who are not. We must stay vigilant and adhere to the CDC guidelines on preventing the spread of the virus. Yes, it is not the most comfortable thing to do but it is the safest.

Continue to screen your visitors upon entry, get contact information for contact tracing purposes if needed in the future, send employees home immediately if they are symptomatic of any infection, and continue to assess residents daily for any signs and symptoms, including pulse oximetry! Stay well, stay informed, and stay tuned!