COVID vaccinations

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. These vaccines were designed to protect the frontline worker from being infected with the COVID-19 virus and has been proven 85-94% effective during the accelerated trials prior to FDA approval.

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.

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

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.

When You Get Vaccinated

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.

After You're Vaccinated

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
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MDH updated information

https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/

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. https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/vaccine/