Area Healthcare Facility Prepares for COVID-19 Vaccine Approval

Tallahassee, Florida (WCTV)-Hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout Big Bend are preparing for approval of the COVID-19 vaccine, enabling rapid infection of the highest-risk people.

The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve the Pfizer vaccine for emergency licenses following Thursday’s hearing.

Before that, hospitals and living facilities for the elderly are busy to make sure that distribution plans are ready.

In Florida, caregivers and residents of senior citizens’ living facilities are included in the first round of vaccine distribution with healthcare professionals.

Kristennap, Communications Director of the Florida Healthcare Association, said he was grateful to Governor Rondesantis for recognizing them as part of the individuals most in need, including these residents. I will.

“We have been involved in this for nine months, which is obviously difficult for caregivers, obviously residents. We usually focus on quality of life as well as the quality of care we provide. I’m looking forward to a time when I can return to that feeling, “says Nap. “The visit has begun and we have seen what has been done to improve their quality of life. Vaccines are another step in the right direction.”

Knapp states that all facilities in the state have partnered with either CVS or Walgreens as part of a pharmacy partnership for the long-term care COVID-19 vaccination program.

These facilities serve to set up on-site clinics in remote locations inside, such as cafeterias and entertainment rooms. The pharmacist then administers the vaccine to the population.

“A pharmacist will come in and an on-site clinic will be set up at a facility where a team of pharmacists will vaccinate residents,” Nap said. “Therefore, the facility is planning and identifying the space within the building where the on-site clinic can be located.”

The clinic maintains CDC COVID precautions such as social distance.

The association says they are currently focusing on education about vaccines. The facility is also meeting with the clinical team to ensure that plans are in place to monitor residents after receiving the vaccine.

Plans are well underway at both the Capital Regional Medical Center and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.

In a statement from the Capital Regional, the authorities said:

“Making access to COVID-19 vaccines accessible to healthcare professionals is an essential step in the fight against pandemics, as there are plans to safely distribute and administer the approved COVID-19 vaccine. , We continue to be in close contact with state and federal authorities, and we are working with our internal team on the vaccination process and look forward to sharing more clear details as soon as they are confirmed. “

In a statement from the Tallahassee Memorial, officials said:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will grant the first COVID-19 vaccine Emergency Use Permit (EUA) immediately today. Once the vaccine is approved, plans to distribute the vaccine will be announced, with detailed information on allocations to healthcare providers and caregivers. Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare (TMH) will be allocated a few days after the EUA and has a gradual distribution plan based on the amount of vaccine received, prioritizing high-risk areas.

TMH has set up a working group to review the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for vaccine distribution and to develop plans to administer vaccines and report vaccination records to Florida SHOTS. Our plan is already in place and will be adjusted as vaccine quotas and delivery dates become available. TMH colleagues are encouraged, but not required, to be vaccinated.

These COVID-19 vaccines, like all vaccines, are not 100% effective, but they are an important part of managing a pandemic. TMH continues to require masks, social distance and proper hand hygiene within the facility.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will grant the first COVID-19 vaccine Emergency Use Permit (EUA) immediately today. Once the vaccine is approved, plans to distribute the vaccine will be announced, with detailed information on allocations to healthcare providers and caregivers. Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare (TMH) will be allocated a few days after the EUA and has a gradual distribution plan based on the amount of vaccine received, prioritizing high-risk areas.

TMH has set up a working group to review the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for vaccine distribution and to develop plans to administer vaccines and report vaccination records to Florida SHOTS. Our plan is already in place and will be adjusted as vaccine quotas and delivery dates become available. TMH colleagues are encouraged, but not required, to be vaccinated.

These COVID-19 vaccines, like all vaccines, are not 100% effective, but they are an important part of managing a pandemic. TMH continues to require masks, social distance and proper hand hygiene within the facility.

More information is expected once the emergency license is approved.

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