Loretto’s “Shot of Hope” campaign to vaccinate residents and staff has been a big success, with over 85% of residents almost half of all Loretto staff members across our facilities receiving the Pfizer vaccine during our first round of clinics held just weeks after the vaccine was approved.

The safety our of residents, employees and visitors remains a top priority, which is why understanding the vaccine is so important.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have shown strong efficacy rates against COVID-19 and indicate that the vaccines are safe to distribute amongst older adults.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna trials showed that the vaccine had an overall 95% efficacy rate in preventing COVID-19 and specifically strong for the 65+ age group at 95% efficacy for Pfizer and 86% for Moderna for this at-risk population.

“The vaccines have proven to be highly effective as well as safe with minimal side effects. The vaccine has demonstrated significant benefits already in our community, and until we have real control of this pandemic, the vaccine is our best bet to transfer things back to normal,” said Dr. Joel Amidon, Medical Director at Loretto.

Dr. Amidon indicated that the studies have not showed any practical reasons to believe that the vaccines are unsafe or can cause lasting harm. While some vaccine recipients may experience feelings of un-wellness, especially after the second shot; however, that just means the vaccine is working its course and the chance to be reunited with loved ones is around the corner.

“It is a good thing, I did it so that we could get back to some kind of normal and be together again,” said 95-year-old Betty Lillie, who was the first Loretto resident to receive the vaccination, and right alongside daughter Betty Hatem, a 50 year employee of Loretto.

Those who received the vaccine have a positive outlook on the near future with the hopes to be reunited with family members. As we look forward to opening our doors for on-site visitations at the end of February, we will be strictly adhering to statewide regulations.

It is important to remember that it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity (protection against the virus that causes COVID-19 after vaccination). In the meantime, you should continue to follow the recommended safety guidelines, especially wearing masks and social distancing.

Anyone with questions about the vaccine should seek out trustworthy sources like the CDC, The Departments of Health and Other Medical Experts to answer their questions.

For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html