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Healthcare centers get shot of hope

By Mary Ann Greier 3 min read

SALEM -- Salem West and Salem North healthcare centers kicked off the new year with a shot of hope for residents and staff members.

Salem North Director of Nursing Sunshine Champney said they had some sore arms but no major side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine.

"I would really hope that people would get the vaccine. Get educated on the true facts. Don't listen to social media. Get educated," she said.

Salem West on Bentley Drive celebrated New Year's Eve with the first of two Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine clinics, with the second scheduled for Jan. 21. Salem North on Continental Drive followed with its first clinic Thursday, with the second clinic set for Jan. 27. Pharmscript administered the vaccine shots at the CommuniCare facilities.

Champney said the staff and residents were excited about the vaccine rollout. She also said the personnel from Pharmscripts, the company administering the Pfizer vaccine, were "amazing."

The dining room was used for the clinic, with people signing in one at a time, the Pharmscripts personnel giving the shots in another area and then another section set up for monitoring, having people who received the shot sit down to relax for 15 minutes or so and have some juice and snacks.

"I am beyond grateful that CommuniCare afforded me the opportunity to receive this vaccine early on. Like a lot of people I was very apprehensive to receive the vaccine. Once I researched, asked questions and educated myself, it was a no brainer! I feel so much relief that I have taken the first step, not only to protect myself and my family but the residents and the people in my community. I plead with you all to educate yourselves and when you get the opportunity, take a shot!" Salem North executive assistant Dayna Blangero wrote in a submitted statement.

CommuniCare has completed nearly 70 clinics so far for the first round of shots, with some company facilities in other states starting their second rounds. Receiving the vaccine is a two-step process. Prior to the clinics, the company provided information to employees, residents and their families about the vaccine.

"I was very excited to receive the vaccine as another level of protection to not only keep ourselves safe but more importantly our residents," Salem North admissions director Jessica Szelazek said in a written statement. "Being with our residents every day and knowing they are a vulnerable population I felt this was a very important step. They are like family to us and we are doing everything we can to ensure their safety. I had a good experience with the pharmacy staff who gave our vaccines and did very well afterwards."

Visitation is prohibited at this time, but Champney said a lot of residents have cell phones and staff members also use iPads with Google Duo so residents can communicate with their family members. Window visits are available, too.

"We know that this year has been most unusual, and for many, the most challenging year. But with the New Year brings renewed hope and anticipation for what's ahead, and this could not ring more true as we leap into 2021 with arms wide open and one step closer to reuniting our families and residents. Our hope is that the vaccine will help get us there safely. Number one priority is safety and health for residents and our employees," said Jessica Pridonoff, Corporate Director of Communications for CommuniCare.

mgreier@salemnews.net

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