Vaccine comes to Farmington Presbyterian Manor
After months of being on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19 Farmington Presbyterian Manor began the process of vaccinating residents and staff on 1/9/2021.
“There’s no doubt the senior population has been hit hard by the virus, along with the health care workers who’ve treated them,” said Jane Hull, executive director at Farmington Presbyterian Manor. “We couldn’t be happier to know there’s finally a bit of light at the end of such a difficult time.”
The vaccine clinic was made possible through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. Farmington Presbyterian Manor will receive the Moderna vaccine in limited doses, which will be given to at-risk residents in health care, assisted living and independent living as well as essential health care workers. All those vaccinated on 1/9/2021 will need to receive a second dose in 28 days.
Resident Millie Bradley says she was eager to receive her first dose.
“I am thrilled to be able to receive this vaccine,” said Millie. “It’s encouraging to know there’s much to look forward to after a year of challenges. I can’t say enough about the incredible staff here at Farmington Presbyterian Manor and how they’ve handled the past year with professionalism and dedication.”
“My biggest reason for taking the vaccine is that I want our residents to be able to regain a sense of normalcy,” said Peggy Bland, director of nursing. “By taking the vaccine, I’m protected and I’m protecting them. Knowing that I’ll be able to do my job and provide residents with the peace of mind that I’m protected from the virus is a great feeling.”
While side effects related to the vaccine are rare according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Farmington Presbyterian Manor will closely monitor those who receive vaccinations. Potential side effects include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever.
The vaccine being distributed at Farmington Presbyterian Manor is being administered by Walgreen’s, who has partnered with Moderna and the federal government to ensure safe distribution to at-risk populations during the first round of inoculations through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program.
While vaccinations will lower the risk of transmission throughout the community, precautions remain in place.
All employees are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. We have been screening individuals as they enter the community building for a shift and before individuals have any direct contact with residents. All staff are educated to stay at home if they are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well. Employee surveillance testing will continue as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) based on county positivity rates for COVID-19 testing.
For more information about Farmington Presbyterian Manor’s response, go to PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) website, PresbyterianManors.org/media-room.
