Update from Administrator – January 4, 2021
January 4, 2021
Dear Families,
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found a COVID-19 vaccine to be safe and effective, and our facility will be able to give the vaccine to residents. This is very encouraging news.
We will begin giving the 2nd vaccine to our residents and staff on 1/12/21. We believe that there will be a third vaccine clinic on February 2, 2021. Syaff members who missed the first clinic and go the 2nd and 3rd clinic for their vaccine injections.
We are encouraging as many residents and staff as possible, to get this vaccine. As we have learned, the elderly and those with significant health concerns have a much higher risk for getting very sick, being hospitalized, or succumbing from COVID-19. The vaccine has been shown to provide a great deal of protection against serious illness due to COVID-19.
As a reminder, This vaccine has gone through testing and clinical trials to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. It also is safe to get if you already had the virus. The health and safety of our residents is always our top priority, and we are confident this vaccine is a much better option than the risk of getting this virus. Please read the attached (or linked) EUA fact sheet and contact us with any questions at 860.583.8483.
Potential side effects are listed on the fact sheet. You will find that these side effects are similar to the potential side effects of the flu shot, but they occur more frequently. The vaccine requires two doses. Residents will need to get both doses to ensure the best results. The second dose will be given approximately 21 to 28 days after the first dose. We will continue to take all necessary precautions after the vaccine is administered, including wearing personal protective equipment and conducting regular testing, to ensure the safety of our residents and staff. We will also work with public health officials to determine how and when to adjust our policies for visitations and social activities and keep you updated.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are hopeful that the vaccine will be a lifesaving turning point in the fight against COVID-19. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.
You may also visit several websites listed below to learn more about the vaccine.
AMDA: FAQs about the COVID-19 Vaccine for PALTC Staff, Patients, Residents and Family Members http://paltc.org/…/QA%20about%20the%20COVID-19%20Vaccine%20…
CDC: About COVID-19 vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/…/2019-ncov/vaccines/about-vaccines.html
https://www.cdc.gov/…/covid-conver…/answering-questions.html
CDC: Understanding the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program and Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.cdc.gov/…/long-term-…/pharmacy-partnerships.html
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
I hope everyone has had a nice and safe holiday. As you know, Hartford counties positivity rate is over 10%. We are now testing residents weekly and staff twice a week. This will continue until 2 weeks after the positivity rate drops below 10%.
We will be having our 2nd clinic on January 12, 2021.
As always, our call will tomorrow 1/5 at 4. Thank you
Joel