COVID-19 VACCINE FACT SHEET
The health and safety of our residents and associates is of the utmost importance and our top priority. Now that the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has taken place at our community, we want to share the most updated information. As a community, we care about answering any questions you may have so you can be well informed on this important health matter. The following is a summary of facts about the vaccines as well as a list of pertinent resources to help educate and ease concerns.
• Once the CDC recommended that residents and associates of long-term care facilities be among the first to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, we proceeded with distribution as safely and quickly as possible.
• With clinical trials showing a high efficacy rating for the vaccines no matter your race, ethnicity or age, we believe the vaccine is a crucial step toward keeping everyone safe from COVID-19. By vaccinating our community, we have the opportunity to not only protect ourselves but also our families, neighbors, co-workers and the greater community.
• While it isn’t mandatory to receive the vaccine, it is highly encouraged among both residents and associates in order to help protect ourselves and those around us, and to stop the spread within the community and beyond.
• Our distribution efforts have been in partnership with local pharmacies with the cost covered by Medicare or other insurance providers. The COVID-19 vaccination dosage depends on the type of vaccine received, so those vaccinated should confirm with their provider as to when protection occurs.
• Safety is the most important priority in vaccine approval and distribution. After evaluating tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials, COVID-19 vaccines have been given to millions of people across the nation under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. The safety of the COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be closely monitored by the CDC and the FDA.
• You cannot become infected with COVID-19 from the vaccines, as none of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the U.S. contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. There are several different types of vaccines being used and in development. All of them teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19.
• For individuals who were previously infected with COVID-19 and/or have positive antibodies, it is still important to get vaccinated. It could give you longer or better protection against the disease and help stop the spread.
• After a COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection. Symptoms like headache, chills, fatigue, muscle pain or fever lasting for a day or two may develop as your immune system responds. According to Mayo Clinic, these symptoms are not considered serious or life-threatening.
• For fully vaccinated people, the CDC recommends continuing with precautions, such as wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing and washing hands frequently, to allow time for experts to learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions. We will most likely not know how long the vaccine will be protective once we receive it, and we many need to have vaccine shots for COVID-19 on a regular basis (similar to the flu shot.)
We will continue to take preventative measures and work diligently to provide the safest environment possible for all residents and associates.
COVID-19 RESOURCES: