Update from Administrator – December 30, 2020

Update from Administrator – December 30, 2020

December 30, 2020

Dear Families and Friends,

We hope this letter finds you all healthy and safe!
1 have more good news to report We have gone another week COVID FREE as far as residents are concerned. That means that there are no longer any residents with active symptoms in the facility. However, we do still have staff who have tested positive and are quarantining at home. Once all staff have returned back to work then the entire building will be considered covid free.

In the meantime, the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine was administered by CVS Pharmacy to residents and staff who consented to receive it. The second dose will be given on 1/13/21. All of you have already been sent information regarding the vaccine and have been given an opportunity to decide whether to accept or decline it for your loved one.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found a COVID-19 vaccine to be safe and effective. We encourage as many residents 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. The more residents that get vaccinated, the better we can protect our community against potential outbreaks and save lives.

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. 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.

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/sites/default/files/QA%20about%20the%20COVID- 19%20Vaccine%20for%20PALTC%20Patients%20Family%20Member%20and%2 OStaffU/420 %2012 1 20%20FINAL.pdf
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

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.

Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!

Michael Chiapinelli
Administrator

December 30, 2020 A Healthier Approach To Caring