Update from Administrator – January 5, 2021
1/5/21
To the families of Northbridge,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! We are hopeful at North bridge that this upcoming year is better than the last.
Currently, we have no positive Residents and one new positive staff member. This staff member has not worked since December 19th 2020. We continue with weekly resident and twice weekly staff testing. Effective 1/4/21 , CIC will be our new testing partner to process our covid tests. We will need a consent signed for each resident. Please look out for an email from “Labpass”.
We have our upcoming vaccine clinic with CVS on January 13th 2021. It is strongly encouraged to get every resident and staff member vaccinated.
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 and save lives.
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. Please read the attached (or linked) EUA fact sheet and contact me with any questions.
Potential side effects are listed on the fact sheet. You will find that these side effects are similar to the potential side effects of the flu shot, but they occur more frequently. The vaccine requires two doses. Residents will need to get both doses to ensure the best results. The second dose will be given approximately 21 to 28 days after the first dose. 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 work with 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. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.
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!
Erica Roman, LCSW, LNHA
Administrator