Cedarfield Moving Forward Plan: Community Update
As you know, COVID-19 has led the headlines for months. Now, the COVID-19 vaccines are making national news with their proven effectiveness and early distribution. The Pfizer vaccine has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization approval and is on its way to locations across the country. We have received many questions about the vaccine and can now offer a bit more information to ensure we are all on the same page.
When will Cedarfield receive the vaccine?
We are anxiously awaiting more details related to the availability of those vaccines in our communities, but we know we are near the top of the list. Because the COVID-19 vaccine will be available in limited quantities initially, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) have developed phased approaches for allocating the vaccine by state.
Fortunately for us, the government plans to vaccinate hospital workers, long-term care providers (LTC) and residents early in the distribution plan. We expect the first 70,000 doses to be available to Virginians in December. After this, the distribution will continue following the State’s plan.
How will the vaccine be distributed to us?
It will take months for enough vaccine to be manufactured to provide the needed doses for all people in the United States. The current plan is to ship the vaccine to major pharmacy retailers who will distribute it to us.
Pinnacle Living and Cedarfield have made the decision to partner with Walgreens, who will coordinate, schedule, and administer the vaccine on behalf of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), once it is available. Representatives from Walgreens will come to our communities on three separate dates to administer the vaccine. During the first visit the initial dose will be given followed three to four weeks later with the second dose. A third trip will be made to catch anyone missed earlier.
How much will it cost to be vaccinated?
It is our understanding you will not be charged for the vaccine.
Facts about the COVID-19 vaccine:
- All vaccines will require a two-shot regimen, with the second shot being administered 21 or 28 days after the first, as directed by the manufacturer.
- Early data shows 90-95% effectiveness and positive safety remarks, though there have been limited reports of reactions to the vaccine and some reports of minor side effects.
- The vaccine WILL NOT give you COVID-19 or change your DNA
Is the vaccine safe?
The vaccines being readied for distribution have undergone rigorous scientific tests to make sure they are safe. Thousands of adults from many races and varying ages volunteered to be part of the testing. Similar to most vaccinations, the testing shows you may experience some muscle soreness at the site of the injection. Following the second injection, some people reported a low fever and achiness that went away after a day or so. This reaction shows your body is building an immunity.
Will the vaccine be mandatory?
With the information we have available today, Pinnacle Living and Cedarfield will not be requiring team members or residents to take the vaccine at this time. However, we want to protect our team members and residents from the spread of COVID-19 and we are strongly encouraging everyone to receive the vaccine as the highest level of protection against COVID-19.
This virus attacks people in different ways. Some show no symptoms but can still spread the disease, some become mildly ill, and some become very sick or die. The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones and ultimately reduce the presence of the virus. Even if you have already had COVID-19, the CDC recommends you get vaccinated.
If I get vaccinated, will I still have to wear a mask?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends we continue to wear our masks when out in public, as well as practice safe distancing and frequent hand washing after being vaccinated. We will need to continue doing these things until most Americans are vaccinated.
YOUR SAFETY IS OUR TOP CONCERN
We know the past several months have been difficult on everyone. However, these developments regarding the release of the vaccine have been the silver lining we’ve all been waiting for. Once again, we are strongly encouraging everyone to receive the vaccine so you can protect yourself and your community against COVID-19. We want you, your loved ones, and our team members to stay healthy so we can all enjoy the Holidays in 2021.
Physical Distancing + Safety Restrictions
Reminder for Team Members:
- Please practice physical distancing when not at work and use proper precautions while interacting with residents and fellow team members.
- If you are ill, please reach out to your supervisor, and do not come to work.
- If you have family members and friends who reside with you who are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, please communicate this to your immediate supervisor.
- We will continue screening all team members before they begin each shift.
- Please report to your assigned supervisor, in a designated area, 15 minutes prior to the start of your shift.
- Remember to wash your hands regularly, use hand sanitizer when appropriate, and wipe down work areas regularly.
A Reminder for our Guests, Visitors, Family Members, Vendors, Contractors, and Volunteers:
- No outside visitors or guests will be permitted to enter the community without the approval of the Executive Director.
- We encourage you to stay connected with your loved ones via phone, video conferencing, email, social media, and other means
- Visitors will be permitted, with the approval of the community Executive Director, when the visitor is a family member, close friend, or other individual who is essential for a resident’s wellbeing and care
- All approved visitors will be actively screened using a series of questions upon each visit
- If approved, visitors may be required to use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a facemask, disposable gown and gloves
- Our teams are working with contractors and vendors to assess those who may need to work in occupied portions of our buildings
- Work will continue in all areas where we can separate construction and work areas from resident occupied spaces
Cedarfield Residents:
Please continue practicing good personal hygiene and infection control by washing your hands and using hand sanitizer, wiping down high traffic work and personal areas and covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth. Please also remember to practice “physical distancing” of not less than six feet from people.
These precautions continue to be necessary, and we ask for cooperation, support, and understanding as we respond to this rapidly evolving situation. These restrictions will be in place until additional guidance is provided by health authorities. As additional information develops, Pinnacle Living may revise these protocols as warranted.
