Machias – On Monday, December 21, Down East Community received its first shipment of 200 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for staff and held its first clinic on Wednesday, December 23 where 73 staff were vaccinated. The first group will be ready for its second dose of the vaccine on January 20, 2021.
The DECH Pharmacist and staff, the Quality Department, and Infection Preventionist did a fantastic job obtaining the vaccines, coordinating the clinics, and vaccinating staff. Everything went smoothly, and we are ready for the staff clinics scheduled for the week of the 28th and the week of January 4.
Vice President of Quality, Monique Mills, BSN, RN, CIC, on the first clinic, “This was a special day for DECH and our community. It feels like the start of hope and light in this dark pandemic. It was so amazing to see the excitement in the healthcare worker’s eyes as they received their first dose. I’m so thankful to everyone for all their hard work on clinic and to all the staff for all they have done since the pandemic began.”
CEO, Steve Lail, “As with the rest of the country, we do not yet know when the vaccine will be available to the general public, but we are optimistic that things will move as quickly as possible and are looking forward to that day. Beginning the vaccination process before 2021 is a phenomenal feat and we are so thankful. However, the infection rates in Maine and across the nation continue to rise. We implore everyone to continue to wear their mask, sanitize their hands, and keep their distance. We are almost there, let’s make it to the finish line.”
Photo Cutline: Employee of the Year, Julie Balzer, RN, and General Surgeon, Dr. Aziz Massaad, receive the first shots at the first COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for DECH Staff.