January 6, 2021
By:
The first COVID-19 vaccination clinic for patients and staff at NHC HealthCare, Smithville will be Friday, January 8. Walgreens is partnering with NHC to administer the Moderna vaccine.
“The vaccine’s arrival at NHC is a very exciting moment in our efforts to combat COVID-19,” said Ryan Vaden, Administrator.
“We serve some of our community’s most vulnerable population, and this vaccine gives us hope that we can put this public health emergency behind us.”
Walgreens will return four weeks later to deliver the second dose. The Food and Drug Administration granted Emergency Use Authorization for the Moderna vaccine on December 18. With a 94 to 95 percent efficacy rate, these vaccines are among the most successful immunizations available.
“We have seen firsthand how dangerous this virus can be,” Vaden said. “As infection rates have spiked in DeKalb County, we have seen infections at NHC, too. It’s important for people to remember that the choices we make as individuals also affect our community.
“At NHC, we look forward to the safe reunion of our patients and families after nearly a year of COVID-19 precautions. The more people get vaccinated, the more likely that wish becomes reality.”
Some 5 million Americans have been vaccinated for COVID-19 so far, and residents and staff of long-term care facilities are among the priority recipients.
NHC Smithville offers skilled nursing, inpatient rehabilitation, hospice and continuing care services. For more information, visit www.nhcsmithville.com or call (615) 597-4284.