(Update: Vaccine recipient, adding comments from St. Charles officials)
ER Doctor says, ‘I realize it’s just the first step in a long journey
BAND, Ore (KTVZ) – In the nine months since the epidemic, St. Charles-Band’s first health care providers were vaccinated Monday by Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.
That means Dr. Francis McCabe started his work week a little differently.
“It’s wonderful to continue this part of the process,” McCabe told reporters.
She went to a conference room, signed her name, took her seat, and prepared for Central O Reagan first.
Dr. Easy. “It’s easy to get vaccinated,” she said, adding that at least 9 do75 doses had arrived at St. Charles last Thursday.
The emergency therapist was one of five St. Charles health care workers, along with Jonathan Klass, a certified nursing assistant; DJ Pierce, a respiratory therapist; Becky Lacos, who cares for environmental services; Philebotomist Kathy DeVilla in the Emergency Department; And Julie Bostrum, a nurse registered with the emergency department, to receive the first COVID-19 vaccination.
“We’re really excited to give this vaccine to our frontline care providers,” said JS Sluka, president and CEO of St. Charles Health System. Those people have worked tremendously throughout this epidemic. “
Chief Medical Officer of St. Charles, Dr. Je. The hospital will distribute all first shipments of the Pfizer vaccine by Wednesday, Jeff Absalon told NewsChannel21.
“So we are assured that there is a matching shipment that we will use about 21 days from today for the same carers for the initial vaccination.”
He also said the hospital was looking at an extra dose of vaccine in each vial, similar to other hospitals in the country. That means they have 975 doses more than expected in the first shipment.
But just because vaccinations are starting doesn’t mean the epidemic is over.
“So it’s really important to understand that you get shots, it doesn’t mean you have to change any behavior,” McCabe said.
And she has a reason at home to keep it going.
“I have a son who has a very significant congenital heart defect.” So we are super cautious at home. “
But it is not difficult for him to be careful, he said.
“Standard precautions should be able to protect everyone, right?” I said. “You don’t want to do things that are weird, unnecessary and stressful, right?”
Now it’s one step closer to not worrying about it at all.
“Central Reg Reagan is ready!” Dr. McCabe said wrapping his hands before taking the vaccine.
St. Charles is expecting a second shipment of the vaccine on Thursday.
News from St. Charles published:
At 11 a.m. Monday, the first group of five St. Charles caregivers entered the conference area at Band Hospital, what many call a “shot of hope” in hand, is the region’s first COVID-19 vaccine to receive.
“Accurately organizing a vaccination program so quickly is no small feat. According to the hospital, Dr. Fran, an emergency room physician at St. Charles Band. Frank McCabe said Central Reg was part of the first group to be vaccinated in Reagan.
“I am very grateful to be part of the first group of hospital staff to receive this vaccine,” McCabe said. “While it’s very exciting, I realize it’s the first step in a long journey, and we all need to be vigilant.”
Certified Nursing Assistant, Nursing Cabe, Jonathan Klass, at the same time safely in the field; DJ Pierce, a respiratory therapist; Becky Lacos, who cares for environmental services; Philebotomist Kathy DeVilla in the Emergency Department; And Julie Bostrom, a nurse registered in the emergency department, “proudly rolled up her sleeves and got vaccinated,” the hospital said.
All of these caregivers have been caring for and supporting COVID-19 patients for many months.
Clinic Monday was the first of many. St. Charles plans to operate its first wave of 975 doses by Wednesday this week. The health system expects to receive a second shipment of 975 doses this weekend which will be delivered from Wednesday next week.
“As you can imagine, the logistics behind ensuring caregivers of different departments at different times, when we have a trained army of vaccinators is ensured and the pharmacy team is ready to melt and thin the doses – while everyone is protected. Then – Dr. Chief Physician Executive of St. Charles. “It’s been a very important task over the last few weeks,” Jeff Absalon said.
He added, “We are very grateful to the hundreds of caregivers who made this day possible.” And we’re glad that many of our caregivers will soon have more protection against this terrible virus. “
St. Charles said he is working closely with the Oregon Health Authority and the local public health department on the next steps in the vaccine roll-out plan for community health providers, EMS agencies and others on the front lines of this fight.
