A Successful COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout for Parker Elder Care Communities
HIGHLAND PARK, NJ – Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine was a great way for us to begin 2021 at Parker. I am grateful that the state recognized the dire need that long-term care organizations have for the vaccine, and that we have been among the first in the state to receive it. We have carefully monitored information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which indicated that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh any of the limited risks. I believe there are several key elements that made our first round of the vaccine such a success.
Knowing that the vaccine would be released in December, we had been preparing for all our residents and employees to promptly receive it. In anticipation, we developed a goal of ensuring that 100% of our residents would receive the vaccine as rapidly as it became available. I am proud to report that we came very close to our goal, as Parker residents and staff received the first dose between January 10-14. Close to 100% of residents opted to receive the dose and most of our employees. Within days, we were among the very first senior care communities in the state to achieve this important goal.
Not only are we proud of our residents for their eagerness to participate in this life-saving program, but we also want to extend our most sincere appreciation to their close family and friends – all of whom recognized the immediate benefits of the program and ensured elders received these vaccinations for the health of the entire Parker community.