Hold-On The COVID-19 Vaccine is on the Way
Thursday January 07, 2021 - Jennifer Prell
Hold-On The
COVID-19 Vaccine Is on The Way
Elderwerks
has been fielding many phone calls from older adults wanting to know when they
will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccinations. Just about everyone is anxious
to receive the vaccine and move along with a more active life. Understandably
the first phase of injections is being administered to “Eligible Personnel,”
namely physicians, nurses, hospital technicians, pharmacists, paramedics,
police, and firefighters. These brave
people who have served on the front lines for over nine months and care for
individuals with the Coronavirus need immediate protection from the daily
danger they face.
As
additional doses are manufactured, the vaccine will become available to people
residing in skilled nursing/assisted living facilities, group homes for the
developmentally disabled and other congregate care facilities throughout
Illinois.
In a
news conference held on January 6, 2021, Governor Pritzker stated that the next
phase of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Illinois, Phase 1B, will include
“frontline essential workers” and anyone over the age of 65, representing a
total of 3.2 million more Illinois residents who would be eligible to get the
vaccine.
At
present, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with
county health departments and regional healthcare providers to work through the
logistics of distributing the vaccine within CDC guidelines. As supplies
increase over the next few months, you will see additional information
published about vaccination availability at large pharmacy chains, hospitals,
and medical centers. Work is also underway to plan large vaccination clinics
likely to be orchestrated through local municipal health departments or
townships.
We
realize that many people that Elderwerks serves are within the high-risk groups
due to age and or medical condition. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines each
require two injections to be fully effective. The second dose is given within
21 or 28 days respectively and the provider of your injection will schedule the
follow-up appointment when you receive the first dose.
Certainly,
we understand the concern and frustration our clients are expressing. In the
interim we ask that you stay strong, keep social distancing and practicing hand
hygiene until everyone can become vaccinated.
Additional
details and a “frequently asked questions” section is available at the Illinois
Department of Public Health website
Https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq
The
Elderwerks team is keeping appraised of the latest developments and will
publish what we learn on our website and social media channels. If you need
assistance in the interim, please phone the Elderwerks Center at (855)
462-0100.
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