COVID-19 vaccinations begin in Michigan nursing homes

RIVERVIEW, i. Monday, there was a lot of excitement and anticipation when Michigan’s first nursing home patients were immunized to COVID-19.

“It was exciting. It was exciting. 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.

Nearly 140 patients and some of the Rivergate Terrace Care Center staff were among the first to receive their photos.

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

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

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities were some of the places hardest hit by COVID-19.

At the Rivergate Terrace Care Center, 20 patients died of the virus in April.

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

Michigan health officials have set a goal of vaccinating 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 in nursing facilities, and it is expected to take about three weeks for vaccinations to be completed. Additional eligible facilities will soon receive vaccinations, including assisted living, personal care homes, residential care, adult single-family home, adult foster home, HUD-assisted senior citizen housing, and veteran homes, “said a statement released Monday by the state of Michigan. released.

The vaccines mean that those high-risk residents will finally get some protection.

“Oh my God, the patients and the families are so excited about it. It is likely and hopefully the beginning to end of the pandemic, ”said Chaddha.

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

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

“This is a great day for older Michiganders, their families and the dedicated men and women who care for them. We know this virus is a killer preying on our most vulnerable populations, which is why my administration has prioritized testing in our nursing homes from the start. Now we have developed a plan that will help us distribute a safe and effective vaccine to the residents and staff of our nursing homes, ”said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Remember, it will take time for the vaccine to be widely distributed to everyone. That is why it is so important that we all do our part by continuing to mask ourselves properly, maintain safe social distance and avoid indoor gatherings where the virus can easily spread from person to person. We will get through this together. “

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy for Health also commented on nursing home vaccinations.

“We know that the residents of these facilities are at high risk of serious illness and death from the virus, and early vaccination of both residents and those caring for them is critical to help protect this population. We are delighted that more than 5,000 long-term care facilities – including more than 400 skilled nursing facilities – are enrolled in the Michigan program to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, ”said Khaldun.