COVID-19 vaccines begin at Michigan nursing homes

RIVERVIEW, jo. – On Monday, there was a lot of excitement and anticipation, as the first patients in nursing homes in Michigan became immune to COVID-19.

“It was exciting. It was fascinating. I can’t even express my feelings about what a joy it was to be vaccinated today, ”said Sujata Chaddha of Rivergate Terrace Care Center in Riverview.

About 140 patients and some of the staff members of Rivergate Terrace Care Center were the first to receive their shots.

Rivergate Terrace Care Center will also get another round of vaccination on January 4th.

“It’s a hope that everyone was hanging on to. Everyone was anxiously waiting for it to start, ”Chaddha said.

Nursing homes and long-term care centers were some of the places most affected by COVID-19.

At the Rivergate Terrace care center, 20 patients died from the virus in April.

Long-term care centers accounted for more than 35,000 cases in Michigan and 4,400 deaths during the pandemic.

Michigan health officials have set a goal to vaccinate 70% of Michiganders over the age of 16. That’s about 5.6 million people by the end of 2021, according to the state.

“There are about 91,000 people, including residents and staff at the nursing facilities, and it is expected to take about three weeks to complete the vaccines. Additional eligible facilities will soon start receiving vaccines, including life assisted living, personal care homes, residential care, family home for adults, foster home for adults, support housing for the elderly and homes for veterans for HUD, ”read a statement issued by the State of Michigan.

Vaccines mean high-risk residents will eventually get some protection.

“Oh my God, patients and families are very excited about it. It is probably and we hope it will be the beginning to the end of the pandemic, ”Chaddha said.

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 480,508 as of Monday, including 12,089 deaths, state officials report.

Monday’s update includes 3,239 new cases and an additional 60 deaths over the past two days.

“This is a great day for the older Michiganders, their families and the dedicated men and women who care for them. We know that this virus is a killer that is taking over our most vulnerable populations, which is why my administration has prioritized testing in our nursing homes from the beginning. Now, we have developed a plan that will help us distribute an effective and safe vaccine to residents and nursing home staff, “said Governor Gretchen Whitmer.” Remember, it will take some time for the vaccine to be distributed. “That’s why it’s so important that we all do our part by continuing to mask ourselves properly, practicing safe social distancing, and avoiding meetings inside where the virus can easily spread from person to person. We’ll get over it together.” .

Dr Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical officer and deputy head of health, also commented on the vaccinations at the residences.

“We know that residents of these facilities are at high risk of serious illness and death from the virus, and early vaccination of both residents and their caregivers is critical to protecting this population. We are pleased that more of 5,000 long-term care facilities, including more than 400 specialized nursing facilities, have enrolled in the program in Michigan to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, ”Khaldun said.