COVID prevention
Peak Healthcare has adopted a hierarchy of controls which is a system used to deploy effective controls within an organization, workplace, or community to identify the most effective ways to control a hazard. Depicted within an inverted pyramid the more effective controls are on the large, top side of the pyramid, whereas the least effective controls are on the bottom. This system has traditionally been used as a means of determining how to implement feasible and effective control solutions. Peak facilities has adopted this system in our response to COVID 19. The image below demonstrates some of the efforts put into place during this pandemic to minimize exposure.
Peak Healthcare's early response to the pandemic was key to a successful rollout of the modified infection control program and institution of personal protective equipment mandate. Reducing the risks by stopping all outside visitation was also important to Peak Healthcare's goal of keeping our patients and staff safe.
Vaccinations
Peak Healthcare is proud to be one of the first post acute providers to have the ability to vaccinate our frontline staff and vulnerable residents. We partnered with Walgreens and CVS to bring vaccination clinics to each of our 10 centers starting in late December of 2020. This page is designed to help you learn more about the vaccination process and educate you about the vaccine itself using information collected from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). We will also have a FAQ section to address the most common questions and encourage you to email us at info@peakhealthcare.com or call any of the 10 facilities for any additional questions you may have. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response.
Employee Vaccinations
Vaccinations for employees is not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged that anyone who works with the vulnerable population to receive the vaccination. These vaccines were designed to protect the frontline worker, and general population, from being infected with the COVID-19 virus and has been proven 85-94% effective during the accelerated trials prior to FDA approval. Peak has committed to ensuring any of our employees have access to the vaccinations, we will continue the vaccinations through our own pharmacy for any new employees or staff who have now decided to receive the vaccine. All 10 facilities have had a total of 3 vaccination clinics to inoculate both residents and staff.
Resident Vaccinations
Vaccinations for residents is not mandatory, but again, strongly encouraged. The majority of our residents are in the vulnerable category, but also have a comorbidity that increases their risk of having a negative outcome should they become infected with the COVID-19 virus. This includes lingering effects due to lung damage, tissue damage, up to and including death.
For those who cannot speak for themselves, we will contact the Medical Power of Attorney or "decision maker" for the resident in our facility. It is completely your choice as to whether or not you will allow your loved one to be vaccinated. Vaccines are recommended for the obvious reasons...1. Reduce the risk of being infected from COVID-19, currently a worldwide pandemic. 2. Allow for greater "herd" immunity, essentially the more we vaccinate, the safer the community is. 3. Provide peace of mind knowing your loved one is protected from a virus that has taken so many lives. 4. May be paramount in allowing facilities who have been vaccinated to open back up to the public. This will not occur quickly, but it will likely be a factor when the MDH creates the visitation guidelines post-vaccine.
For those who cannot speak for themselves, we will contact the Medical Power of Attorney or "decision maker" for the resident in our facility. It is completely your choice as to whether or not you will allow your loved one to be vaccinated. Vaccines are recommended for the obvious reasons...1. Reduce the risk of being infected from COVID-19, currently a worldwide pandemic. 2. Allow for greater "herd" immunity, essentially the more we vaccinate, the safer the community is. 3. Provide peace of mind knowing your loved one is protected from a virus that has taken so many lives. 4. May be paramount in allowing facilities who have been vaccinated to open back up to the public. This will not occur quickly, but it will likely be a factor when the MDH creates the visitation guidelines post-vaccine.
What to expect
As we receive the vaccination clinic dates from CVS or Walgreens, our team gets to work calling families about whether or not they'd like their loved one to be vaccinated. Because COVID-19 is a new disease with new vaccines, you may have questions about what happens before, during, and after your appointment to get vaccinated. These tips will help you know what to expect when you get vaccinated, what information your provider will give you, and resources you can use to monitor your health after you are vaccinated.
Before Vaccination
Sources: Facts about COVID-19 vaccines pdf
Arabic pdf | Español pdf
Korean pdf icon[1 MB, 3 pages] | Russian pdf
Simplified Chinese | Tagalog pdf
Traditional Chinese pdf | Vietnamese pdf
Before Vaccination
- See if COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for you right now.
- Learn more about the different types of COVID-19 vaccines and how they work.
- Learn more about the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccination.
- When you get the vaccine, you and your healthcare worker will both need to wear masks that cover your nose and mouth. Stay 6 feet away from others while inside and in lines. Learn more about protecting yourself during visits to the doctor or a pharmacy.
- You should receive a vaccination card or printout that tells you what COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it, and where you received it.
- You should receive a paper or electronic version of a fact sheet that tells you more about the specific COVID-19 vaccine you are being offered. Each authorized COVID-19 vaccine has its own fact sheet that contains information to help you understand the risks and benefits of receiving that specific vaccine.
- All people who get a COVID-19 vaccine should be monitored on-site. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and rare severe allergic reactions.
- With most COVID-19 vaccines, you will need two shots in order for them to work. Get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first one, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get a second shot.
- Ask your healthcare provider about getting started with v-safe, a free, smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. V-safe also reminds you to get your second dose if you need one. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/vsafe.
- It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot.
Sources: Facts about COVID-19 vaccines pdf
Arabic pdf | Español pdf
Korean pdf icon[1 MB, 3 pages] | Russian pdf
Simplified Chinese | Tagalog pdf
Traditional Chinese pdf | Vietnamese pdf
MDH updated information (as of 04/29/2021)
Vaccination roll-out plans from MDH
The Maryland Department of Health has issued their statewide vaccination plans with the first group to include frontline healthcare workers, first responders, and the most vulnerable population, those people who reside in nursing facilities. As each phase is carried out, they prepare for the next group to be vaccinated. Please check their website often for the most up to date information. Updated as of 04/29/2021. Click the this link to pre-register for the mass vaccination.
https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/vaccine/
https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/vaccine/
What are the vaccinations?

facts-covid-vaccines.pdf | |
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Additional resources regarding the COVID vaccine
Maryland’s Phased COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
FAQs
Allocation to Arms – Vaccine Distribution Timeline for Providers
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – English
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – Spanish
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – Simplified Chinese
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – Traditional Chinese
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – French (AF)
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – Creole
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – Korean
About the Vaccines – English
About the Vaccines – Spanish
About the Vaccines – Simplified Chinese
About the Vaccines – Traditional Chinese
About the Vaccines – French (AF)
About the Vaccines – Creole
About the Vaccines – Korean
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – English
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – Spanish
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – Simplified Chinese
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – Traditional Chinese
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – French (AF)
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – Creole
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – Korean
COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – Herd Immunity – English
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html
CDC Information On Vaccines
CDC Vaccination Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Allocation to Arms – Vaccine Distribution Timeline for Providers
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – English
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – Spanish
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – Simplified Chinese
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – Traditional Chinese
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – French (AF)
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – Creole
Maryland COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – Korean
About the Vaccines – English
About the Vaccines – Spanish
About the Vaccines – Simplified Chinese
About the Vaccines – Traditional Chinese
About the Vaccines – French (AF)
About the Vaccines – Creole
About the Vaccines – Korean
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – English
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – Spanish
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – Simplified Chinese
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – Traditional Chinese
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – French (AF)
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – Creole
COVID-19 Clinical Trials Fact Sheet – Korean
COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet – Herd Immunity – English
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html
CDC Information On Vaccines
CDC Vaccination Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Information about the safety of vaccines: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/index.html
Most common questions regarding the COVID vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
Why it's important for our staff to be vaccinated: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/hcp.html
Why it's important for our residents to be vaccinated: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/LTCF-residents.html
Most common questions regarding the COVID vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
Why it's important for our staff to be vaccinated: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/hcp.html
Why it's important for our residents to be vaccinated: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/LTCF-residents.html