The first shipment of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines arrived at Indiana Regional Medical Center Thursday, and the first round of vaccines are being distributed to those on the frontline against the pandemic.
According to a news release from IRMC, they have received 975 vaccines. The first three to receive the vaccines were Phyllis, a registered nurse in the ICU; Kevan, a registered nurse in the ER; and Dave, a respiratory therapist. They are part of the first wave of vaccinations, which will go to frontline workers. A second wave of vaccinations will be given to people deemed a “high risk”, which could be a person of a certain age or has a defined health condition. A general population rollout will follow that. Those receiving the vaccine on Thursday must get a second vaccination in three weeks.
IRMC President and CEO Steve Wolfe said, “Many of our employees have been working long hours and have spent extended time away from their families, fearful of the unknown, and they are exhausted.” He said that those frontline workers will now have more protection against Covid-19.
First three IRMC frontline workers to receive the vaccine
Adam Kochman, the pharmacy manager at IRMC said a lot of planning went into making sure IRMC would be among the first to receive the vaccine, and he was thankful for the team and the collaboration they have with the health care providers in the community.
Supplies are limited now, but the hospital is confident that supplies will increase in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, people are encouraged to continue to wear a mask, stay home if you feel unwell, practice social distancing, avoid gatherings and wash your hands and clean high-touch surfaces frequently.
The complete news release can be found below:
IRMC has received its first shipment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. This is one of the most important milestones since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020.
Today, we have 975 vaccines on hand. The vaccine must be stored at minus 70 degrees Celsius and freezers with those frigid capabilities are on-site. Each person who receives the vaccine is required to have a second dose three weeks after the first dose is administered.
“Many of our employees have been working long hours and have spent extended time away from their families, fearful of the unknown, and they are exhausted,” Steve Wolfe, President & CEO said. “This is our first glimmer of hope and optimism that we are right around the corner for making progress in the fight against the virus.”
In most states, Pennsylvania included, the vaccine will first be given to frontline healthcare workers. At IRMC, all vaccines in the first shipment will be given to high-risk hospital personnel over the coming days.
Among the first to receive the vaccine at IRMC are frontline nurses, housekeepers, physicians, respiratory therapists, emergency management personnel and more.
“Moving forward, we are going to see more and more of our frontline workers, people who are risking their lives and protecting us, they are going to be more protected and we are very excited about that,” Wolfe said.
“A lot planning went into making sure IRMC was among the first to receive the vaccine. I am thankful for our team and the collaboration we have with the health care providers in the community,” said Adam Kochman, pharmacy manager at IRMC.
While supply is limited in the United States, we are confident that supply will increase in the coming weeks and months to allow others to be vaccinated. IRMC will alert the community when we know more.
In the meantime, continue to cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay home when you feel unwell, practice social distancing, avoid gatherings, and wash your hands and clean high touch surfaces frequently.
For more information regarding the vaccine, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
The first round of vaccines will be given to frontline workers.
Our healthcare providers have been working hard to keep you and your loved ones safe. They need to be protected first so that we can continue to provide the care you need.
The second group to be vaccinated will be people deemed to be “high risk.”
This could be a person of a certain age or has a defined health condition. A general population rollout will follow. When we have more details, we will share them. We are working closely with the PA Department of Health and CDC for specific guidelines.
Please get the vaccine when it is your turn.
This vaccine has received an enormous amount of publicity. It’s important to know that it has gone through rigorous testing, received FDA approval, and has been used by many countries across the globe. It is safe. We are asking you to do your part and get the vaccine so that we can all protect ourselves and continue to work to eradicate this virus.
Pfizer’s vaccine is over 90% effective.
The FDA requires vaccines to be at least 50% effective to be considered for authorization. Pfizer’s is well beyond that. For perspective, annual flu vaccines are 40-60% effective and two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective.
Stay vigilant.
It is vital that you continue to follow all safety protocols – wear your mask, social distance, avoid large gatherings, and wash your hands frequently. It is going to take a concerted effort from all of us to get COVID under control.
We will continue to communicate as we learn. Stay safe
