On Wednesday, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea received and administered its first shipment of the FDA-approved Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
The hospital received 1,700 doses, joining six other Trinity Health Michigan hospitals that have begun administering COVID-19 vaccines to front line workers.
The vaccines are being administered on a voluntary basis to health care personnel who meet the CDC-defined criteria of direct patient care to COVID-19 patients, including those working on the COVID units, Intensive Care Unit, and Emergency Department. Employees who work in those departments are being given the opportunity to self-register and make an appointment to obtain the vaccine.
“Today marks a historic moment for our hospital and our community,” said Dr. Alon Weizer, chief medical officer at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea in a press release.
“Our team has worked tirelessly for the past year to care for patients, our community and each other. To have the vaccine arrive days before Christmas is a welcome gift for all of us, and represents an important step to bringing this pandemic under control,” Weizer said.
Trinity Health Michigan hospitals throughout the state expect to continue to receive weekly shipments of both the Pfizer and the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccines.
Across Trinity Health Michigan, Mercy Health Grand Rapids, Mercy Health Muskegon, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, St. Joseph Mercy Livingston, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland and St. Mary Mercy Livonia have all received their first vaccine shipments. All the hospitals have ultra-cold freezers and are prepared to receive, store and distribute vaccines over the coming months.
People who are vaccinated must stay committed to the recommended safety guidelines. It is crucial to remain vigilant – avoid crowds, continue physical distancing, wear masks and continue excellent hand hygiene.
St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea looks forward to offering vaccinations to community members, which it hopes to do in the coming weeks as it works through the CDC and state directed priority list.
Information regarding the ability to schedule community members for the COVID-19 vaccination will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit Saint Joseph Mercy Health System at https://www.stjoeshealth.org/vaccine.
So very happy that our Chelsea healthcare teams are receiving their Covid vaccines and continue to care for our community so tirelessly. We can never thank you enough! Yes, early Christmas present. Many thanks!
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all employees of St. Joseph Chelsea! I couldn’t be happier that you have the opportunity to get this vaccine! Certainly will make your jobs easier-I hope! Keep up the excellent work you do in caring for those if us when we are at our worst!
Wishing you A Happy & Healthy 2021
Getting those first COVID-19 vaccines is a wonderful gift of hope for Christmas 2020.