The new Mesa View Regional Hospital CEO Kelly Adams sent a memo to the hospital’s Board of Trustees, Physicians, Employees, R1Team and volunteers on Dec. 15, sharing information about the receipt of COVID-19 vaccines.
Adams expects to receive the hospital’s first shipment of the vaccine next week. He outlined who would be among the first recipients in his memo.
The memo is printed in its entirety, without change, below:
From: Kelly Adams, CEO
To: Board of Trustees, Physicians, Employees, R1 Team and Volunteers
Date: December 15, 2020
RE: COVID-19 vaccine for health care workers
As a very difficult year comes to a close, we are so pleased that the national vaccination effort is beginning. The COVID-19 vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna are expected to receive Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) soon. Starting next week, we expect to receive initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Nationwide, available vaccines will be limited at first. Vaccines will be prioritized to people at the highest risk of contracting COVID-19, including physicians and health care staff who opt to be vaccinated.
Consistent with CDC guidance, the vaccine will be provided to physicians and staff who care directly for COVID-19 patients on a staggered schedule, beginning 12/21/2020.
It will then be provided to other direct care professionals, essential hospital staff, medical practice staff, and then remaining employees as supplies permit.
Below are some facts about the vaccine. To read more about how the vaccines work, you can visit the following links:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mRNA.html
- https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/vaccines/vaccines-faq
Trials
Between both phase 3 trials, over 38,000 patients received two active vaccine injections with no serious safety concerns discovered by independent review boards.
- Each vaccine requires two intramuscular injections:
-The Moderna vaccine doses are spaced 28 days apart
-The Pfizer vaccine doses are spaced 21 days apart
- Both vaccines use mRNA to cause your body to produce a harmless fragment of the virus so that your immune system can learn to produce antibodies that will protect you from the actual virus
- It is impossible to get COVID-19 from either vaccine
- Neither vaccine can change or interact with your DNA in any way
Facts to Know
- About 1/3 experience short-term side effects, including injection site soreness, diarrhea, fever, and chills for approximately 24 to 36 hours.
- It is currently unknown how long protection provided by the vaccines will last
- People who have recovered from COVID-19 may still benefit from being vaccinated
After witnessing the work going on every day in this hospital, I’m overwhelmed with pride and appreciation for the staff’s dedication to the community.
We know there is still work to be done, but I am hopeful we will soon turn a corner toward recovery. Thank you for continuing to support one another. It’s clear now that we can get through any challenge together.
Rick Kammerman says
Pretty much old news. He could have saqved the memo if he could be sure the trustees read the paper or the media news!
Wayne Adams says
I personally always believe everything I read in the media souirces. (Just kidding). Thank you for the outline Kelly (no relation) Adams.
Judy Prince says
Appreciated knowing the vaccine was here in Mesquite for your healthcare workers. You should feel a great deal of relief receiving the vaccine and knowing those on the front line will have protection against this deadly virus. Those of us in the community know “our” turn will be coming sometime in the future. God bless all of you who care for us during emergencies and other illnesses!
Anna Marie Hallada says
When will the vaccine be available for the 75 and older people?
Mesquite Citizen Journal says
Anna Marie,
The Mesquite Citizen Journal is following the vaccine availability closely. We have two articles this week regarding plans being made and processes put in place that will bring the vaccination program to Mesquite. Please continue reading our news site for more information as it becomes available.
Thank you,
Barbara Ellestad
Publisher/Editor