The COVID Vaccine
“The light at the end of the tunnel”

We are delighted to announce that we’ve started vaccinating team members and residents at some of our communities. We’re required to follow state and local directives and coordinate with our pharmacy partner, but ultimately there will be the opportunity for all communities to take part in our vaccine program. After many months of fighting this vicious virus, it’s exciting to take such a BIG step towards protecting ourselves and our vulnerable residents and doing our part to stop this pandemic.

We know that, like anything new in medical science, you have questions and concerns. You may have had prior negative experiences with a healthcare provider, or you might have heard negative rumors about vaccines and aren’t sure if they are true or not. Rest assured that the virus has proven to be safe and efficacious in extensive clinical trials and significant independent FDA evaluation and approval. The world’s best and brightest scientists and physicians have been focused on developing and testing these vaccines and ensuring they’re safe to provide to people across the world.

Why It’s Safe

• The vaccines have been proven to be 94-95% effective in preventing COVID infection, and almost 100% effective in preventing serious infection. By comparison, that is significantly higher than the typical flu shot (~40-60%).
• You cannot contract the virus from the vaccine. The vaccine triggers your body’s immune response to create antibodies to COVID, but it does not contain any actual virus.
• The ingredients are listed by the vaccine manufacturers openly and are commonly used in vaccines.
• New mRNA technology stimulates antibodies that remain in your blood to protect you from COVID, and all other ingredients are safely eliminated by your body.

What to Expect

• The vaccine consists of two doses, given a few weeks apart (varies slightly by vaccine type).
• The pharmacy will come to the community to administer the vaccine by their trained professionals.
• Mild side effects have been reported in less than 10% of vaccine recipients, lasting less than 48 hours. Most common are slight fatigue, muscle aches, or injection site pain.
• If you know you’re allergic to ingredients in the vaccine or have had anaphylaxis due to a vaccine before, consult with your physician prior to deciding whether to take the vaccine.
• All vaccine recipients will be observed for a short period of time after the vaccine to ensure no allergic reaction.
• Of the almost 5 million people vaccinated by January 6^th, 29 experienced anaphylaxis, almost all had a history of allergies or anaphylaxis, and all recovered fully. Compared to the COVID-19 mortality rate of ~1.7%- and much higher than that if you’re at-risk- it is substantially riskier to refuse the vaccine than it is to take it.
• The CDC recommends the vaccine even if you’ve had COVID before. We’re not certain how long natural immunity lasts, and early indicators are that vaccine immunity is stronger and longer lasting.

If you should have any questions or concerns about the vaccine, please speak with your general manager. We want to make sure we answer your questions and alleviate any concerns you might have.

On January 16^th, Lorie Dancy, Solvere Living’s Chief Compliance & Wellness Officer got the vaccine at Homestead Hamilton, NJ. After 24 hours, she feels great and only had mild soreness at the injection site.

Lorie says: “I feel fortunate, I’m making a difference in helping people to stay well. I’m doing my part not only for myself but for others too.  It takes a village to get through this and the risks which are minimal, outweigh any fears or myths.  I stuck to the factual researched proven information when making my decision to get vaccinated.  It’s important to set this example and personally I have frail older adults who are my parents that I care for, and I want them to be well so we can enjoy special times together later this year.”

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