COVID-19 Vaccine Update

NHC selected Walgreens to administer the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines during scheduled clinics at all locations. Thank you to all the families and NHC team members who prepared for and facilitated these onsite clinics over the past months. We embrace the opportunity to help protect our seniors with this vaccine and take one step closer to bringing our families and their loved ones together.

Dr. Bert Smith, NHC Medical Consultant, provides some great information on the COVID- 19 vaccine on our Day by Day podcast.  To learn more, click here. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine

Is the vaccine safe and effective?

The vaccine has gone through 3 phases regarding safety and effectiveness. These involved thousands of patients in the trials. To date, the vaccine has proven very effective up to 95% with only mild side effects and no serious adverse reactions.

What are the side effects?

The most common side effects are soreness with possible redness and swelling at the site of injection. Other potential side effects include headache, muscle aches and general “flu like” symptoms which may persist for 24 hours or a few days. Persons may also experience fever, but any high fever should be reported for evaluation.

Should everyone take the vaccine?

Yes, everyone should take the vaccine. Currently, there are no restrictions or contraindications from any other healthcare condition regarding use of the vaccine.

Is a one-time vaccine effective?

  • No, you must receive the second dose because the vaccine will not protect you if you only get one dose.
  • It is important to get the SAME VACCINE as the first dose.
  • At some point a one dose vaccine may be available.

Should the vaccine be administered even if the person has contracted COVID-19 as an infection?

Yes, it is unknown whether long-term immunity will be present with COVID-19 infection and the vaccine should be administered even with history of infection.

Is personal protective equipment [PPE] still necessary after receiving the vaccine?

Yes, until further notification from the Center of Disease Control or state health officials, PPE including mask, gloves and gowns will be utilized.

In summary, the COVID-19 vaccine is the best opportunity to stop the pandemic of the serious life-threatening infection. Not only should we do it for our own health and safety, but to prevent infection in the most vulnerable population which we care for daily.

  
The CDC has created the below resources regarding the COVID-19 vaccine: 
  
·COVID-19 Vaccines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html 
  
·Benefits of getting a COVID-19 Vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html 
  
·Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

Published January 29, 2021