December 23, 2020 - St. James Hospital (SJH) staff and providers are starting to receive the first dose of two doses of the vaccine to protect them from COVID-19.
The first shipment of Moderna vaccine arrived at SJH on December 22, and the hospital’s employee health team quickly put plans into action.
“We are very pleased to now be able to offer the vaccine to our staff and providers,” said Bryan O’Donovan, president and CEO. “We’ve all been anxiously waiting for this day, and it’s a major positive milestone in slowing the pandemic.”
SJH is conducting daily vaccination clinics this week for nearly 200 staff and providers. Each individual is monitored for side effects immediately following the vaccine. Pegg Mitchell, RN, was the very first SJH employee to be vaccinated.
“I felt absolutely no side effects,” she said. “Everyone should consider getting the vaccine when available.”
SJH will provide vaccine for all staff and providers who want it, as supplies allow. Those who decline will have an opportunity to receive it at a future date if they choose.
“Individuals will receive their second dose approximately four weeks later,” said O’Donovan. “To keep patients and staff safe, we are continuing to implement all the safety measures in our facilities, including universal masking, social distancing, and frequent sanitizing.”
