The Orchards at Foxcrest, in Chester, WV completed its first FDA approved Pfizer Covid-19 emergency issue vaccine clinic. Eligible residents of the nursing home, assisted living, and independent living plus roughly 65% of eligible staffers received the vaccine on Thursday and Friday. In coordination with local and state health organizations including the CDC and WVHCA, Village Pharmacy technicians administered the first of a two-part vaccination process. The second is to be received within the next 21 days. Within one week of the second injection, inoculated individuals will be fully vaccinated.
“The company mounted an extensive information campaign,” said Matt Murray, Vice President of Operations. “This education effort continues as we strive for 100% vaccine participation. It is in our arsenal of doing all we can to stop the spread of this virus.”
Of the many residents and staff inoculated with the first of two doses, not one had reported any severe adverse reactions. Some experienced mild side effects such as injection site pain or headache. “We did the research, we trust the local and state authorities, and we guided those in our care to make their best decision. We honor our residents right to choose” said Murray. The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine will enable residents and staff the proper foundation to combat the spread of the disease. The Orchards is committed to rolling out vaccine clinics for their properties located in East Liverpool, OH, and Saxonburg, PA as soon as the federal program partners, CVS and Walgreens, give the green light. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will help ensure the virus terms. In the meantime, ongoing use of PPE, social distancing, emergency management protocols, and continued education top the list of efforts to keep residents and staff safe. Scott Fox, CEO, continues leading the effort to mitigate the spread of the disease by encouraging all to get the vaccine at their first opportunity. “I’m heartened by the way our staff has rallied around residents and co-workers. Servant leadership is modeled and embraced by our organization in good and challenging times”.
The BioNTech, Fosun Pharma, Pfizer vaccine is a Covid-19 vaccine authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC for use in the US for a limited population. It was the first to reach FDA approval for emergency release. A second vaccine by Moderna has recently been approved. The Orchards’ location in OH and PA are unclear which vaccine they will receive but remain confident in the effectiveness and commit to distributing to residents and staff with assistance from their respective pharmacy partners.
Serving the tri-state area with exceptional elder care services since 1952, At the Orchards, We Care for Minds, Bodies, and Souls.