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Vaccine comes to Wichita for senior living residents, staff

After months of being on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19 Wichita Presbyterian Manor will begin the process of vaccinating residents and staff on Friday, January 22.

“There’s no doubt the senior population has been hit hard by the virus, along with the health care workers who’ve treated them,” said Courtney Wolfe, executive director at Wichita Presbyterian Manor. “We couldn’t be happier to know there’s finally a bit of light at the end of such a difficult year.”

The vaccine clinic was made possible through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. Wichita Presbyterian Manor will receive either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in limited doses, which will be given to at-risk residents in health care and assisted living as well as essential health care workers. All those vaccinated on January 22 will need to receive subsequent doses, depending on the vaccine we receive. The second and third clinics will be scheduled accordingly.

Regarding independent living residents, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended prioritizing people over the age of 75 and essential frontline workers during the initial phase of vaccinations. Those ages 65-74 would be prioritized next, including those 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions. It’s important to note that these are guidelines. Kansas and Missouri will determine vaccine distribution priorities.

Resident, Jan Anderson, says she’s eager to receive her first dose.

“I’m counting the minutes. I’ve been wanting this for so long. I feel it’s very important to protect to myself,” said Anderson.

Registered nurse, Ashli Shain, agrees.

“I feel really blessed for our residents and staff to have access to the vaccine,” said Shain. “We have all seen the devastating effects that COVID can have. I am hopeful the vaccine will help to slow the spread and brings us all some hope.”

While side effects related to the vaccine are rare according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Wichita Presbyterian Manor will closely monitor those who receive vaccinations. Potential side effects include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever.

The vaccine being distributed at Wichita Presbyterian Manor is being administered by CVS, who has partnered with the pharmaceutical companies and the federal government to ensure safe distribution to at-risk populations during the first round of inoculations through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program.

While vaccinations will lower the risk of transmission throughout the community, precautions remain in place.

All employees are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. We have been screening individuals as they enter the community building for a shift and before individuals have any direct contact with residents.  All staff are educated to stay at home if they are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well. Employee surveillance testing will continue as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) based on county positivity rates for COVID-19 testing.

For more information about Wichita Presbyterian Manor’s response, go to PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) website, PresbyterianManors.org/media-room.

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