Long-term care facilities in Columbia get first coronavirus vaccinations
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Walgreens partnered with The Bluffs in Columbia to deliver some of the first long-term care facility coronavirus vaccinations in Central Missouri on Tuesday.
Roystan Pais, the executive director at The Bluffs, said the vaccinations have been a long time coming.
"The past 10 months for the long-term care facilities and nursing homes has been very difficult. The nursing home residents suffered a lot without being able to see their loved ones," Pais said. "I'm glad the vaccine is here and I think this is the best Christmas gift."
Visits to people living in nursing homes, assisted living centers, retirement communities and other long-term care facilities have been limited or prohibited since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March. Many residents of such facilities are at risk for COVID-19's worst complications because of their age and medical conditions.
Nursing homes have been hit hard with COVID-19 deaths. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services report 17 deaths in Boone County nursing homes through Dec. 13, including eight at The Bluffs. The virus has claimed dozens of lives in nursing homes in neighboring Cole County, as well.
Long-term facility residents and staff are part of the first phase of Missouri's vaccination plan. Health care workers were the first to get shots when Pfizer's vaccine won approval, but its requirement of ultra-cold storage meant it wasn't practical for use in nursing homes, where CVS and Walgreens employees will provide vaccinations.
The approval of Moderna's vaccine, which doesn't have to be stored at such cold temperatures, has allowed long-term care vaccinations to begin. The first in the state were given Monday in the St. Louis area.
About 150 residents and staff combined were vaccinated at The Bluffs in Columbia on Tuesday. Pais said that represents about 75-80% of residents and just over 50% of staff.
