In what’s been referred to by some as “The light at the end of the tunnel,” the first COVID-19 vaccinations have arrived in Pondera County. The PMC Rural Health Clinic received the Moderna vaccine for frontline and direct-patient-care workers. On December 28th, Dr. Jay Taylor became the first at Pondera Medical Center to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. It was a proud moment for PMC!
Cynthia Grubb, RN, Director of Emergency Preparedness, Case Management, and Rural Health Clinic Manager has vast experience in public health; and has been on the frontline for PMC navigating and mitigating risks of the virus. She administered the first vaccination and shared: “It might not be the entire answer, but it’s terrific to have another tool to fight back with.”
Pondera Medical Center is partnering with Walgreens Pharmacy for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine per CDC guidelines, which includes healthcare workers and Long-Term Care residents in the initial plans. Because ECF residents live in group settings and are often older adults with underlying chronic medical conditions, they are most at risk of severe disease from diseases like COVID-19. Ensuring ECF residents receive the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as the vaccine is available will help save lives and avoid long term effects of those at highest risk for infection and severe illness from COVID-19. In our partnership with Walgreens, representatives from the organization will come to our facility and provide vaccine clinics for residents and healthcare workers. The first of these clinics is scheduled for the week of January 4th.
The development of multiple vaccines brings new hope to ending the pandemic. PMC is committed to keeping our resident families and the general public informed about when and who will be able to get the vaccines as more information becomes available. The COVID-19 vaccines may not be widely available for the general public until several months into 2021 so we must all continue taking important precautions and following current guidelines to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Even after vaccination, efforts including wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, following facility guidance on visitation and infection control, and washing hands often will continue to be the primary way that residents and healthcare workers are protected until vaccination is widespread.
We will share information regarding the public distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available. We greatly appreciate community efforts to help stop the surge of COVID-19!
