ThedaCare receives initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine

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ThedaCare is pleased to share that the health care system has received its first shipment of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine from Moderna. Federal and state authorities call for health care personnel to be offered vaccines in the first phase of the program, starting with hospital workers, emergency responders and long-term care staff.

“The health and safety of our team members, patients and communities, are our number one priority,” explained Dr. Mark Cockley, Chief Clinical Officer and President of the Clinically Integrated Network. “ThedaCare planning committees have been working closely with authorities to plan and ensure we are prepared for initial distribution to team members and providers.”

Nurses, medical assis-tants, clinical technicians and others are being trained to prepare the vaccination and administer it to team members.

“This may be a new vaccine, but we are by no means new to the practice of consistent, reliable and effective distribution of vaccines to our caregivers and those we serve throughout all corners of our service area,” said Dr. Cockley. “We will follow federal and state guidelines to continue our long history of delivering vaccines safely and effectively.”

The COVID-19 vaccine will be recommended, but not mandatory, for ThedaCare team members. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will continue to be required at current levels regardless of team members decisions to receive the vaccine.

While the vaccine is a turning point in this pandemic, the community should understand that public availability of the vaccines could still be months away. As that availability improves in the coming months, vaccines will be offered to others in accordance to federal and state guidelines, and in partnership with other health entities. ThedaCare leaders are asking that patients do not call their health care providers to schedule a vaccination, and there are no wait lists for the vaccine.

At this time, the community should still practice collective action to keep ourselves and others safe. ThedaCare urges all community members to continue safe behaviors to slow the spread of the coronavirus, including masking, washing your hands, staying home when sick and avoiding gatherings with those outside your immediate household.

 

ThedaCare officials will continue to share information regularly as they learn more from federal and state authorities about the distribution of the vaccines. For resources, or if you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms including fever, cough or difficulty breathing, visit ThedaCareCOVID19.org or call the community hotline at 920-830-6877 or 800-236-2236.

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