Update from Administrator – January 19, 2021
January 19, 2020
Dear Families,
As always, we hope this letter finds you safe and healthy as we begin the New Year!
Our current Covid-19 status is 0 residents and 0 staff.
The COVID-19 vaccination was administered at our center to staff and residents on 1/4/21. The second dose of the vaccine is scheduled to be administered on 1/25/21 to residents and staff. This date is also available to those individuals who did not receive their initial dose. The vaccine was delivered and administered by pharmacists from CVS. The same set-up and procedures will take place during the second round.
With the first round complete in many nursing homes, the state has already reported a decrease in nursing home cases of CVOID among residents and staff, further proof that the vaccine works and we’re doing our part to eliminate COVID!
We have encouraged as many residents as possible to get this vaccine. As we have learned, the elderly and those with significant health concerns have a much higher risk for getting very sick, being hospitalized, or succumbing from COVID-19. The vaccine has been shown to provide a great deal of protection against serious illness due to COVID-19. The more residents that get vaccinated, the better we can protect our community against potential outbreaks, save lives, and hopefully impact changes to the state’s visitation guidelines.
As you know by now, this vaccine has gone through testing and clinical trials to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. It also is safe to get if you already had the virus. The health and safety of our residents is always our top priority, and we are confident this vaccine is a much better option than the risk of getting this virus. If you have any questions, please follow the below links or contact administrator@BerkshireRehabilitation.com or (413) 258-4731 with any questions.
We will continue to take all necessary precautions after the vaccine is administered, including wearing personal protective equipment and conducting regular testing, to ensure the safety of our residents and staff. We will also continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of our public health officials to determine how and when to adjust our policies for visitations and social activities and keep you updated.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are hopeful that the vaccine will be a lifesaving turning point in the fight against COVID-19. We look forward to getting back to a “new normal,” with families and friends again visiting our center on a regular basis. Entertainers coming back into the center to further enrich the lives of our residents.
You may also visit several websites listed below to learn more about the vaccine.
- AMDA: FAQs about the COVID-19 Vaccine for PALTC Staff, Patients, Residents and Family Members http://paltc.org/sites/default/files/QA%20about%20the%20COVID-19%20Vaccine%20for%20PALTC%20Patients%20Family%20Member%20and%20Staff%20_%2012_1_20%20FINAL.pdf
- CDC: About COVID-19 vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/about-vaccines.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/covid-conversations/answering-questions.html
- CDC: Understanding the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program and Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/long-term-care/pharmacy-partnerships.html
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
Greg Dempsey, LNHA
Berkshire Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Center