On Thursday, January 15th, The Mayflower Community received COVID-19 vaccines for Health Center and Beebe Assisted Living residents and employees. CVS Pharmacies administered the Pfizer vaccine.
All healthcare residents chose to get the vaccine, with the exception of a couple who had doctors’ excuses. About 75% of regular employees were vaccinated or are waiting until the next clinic to get their first shot. At that clinic on February 4th, people who got the first dose will receive their second shot.
Mayflower’s Associate Director/Administrator, Kellie McGriff, BSN, NHA, got the COVID-19 vaccine because she feels that “…Building immunity through the vaccine will protect me and those I serve and care for. It is a blessing to feel the emotion of trepidation lifted and replaced with excitement today for our residents, employees, families, and community.”
Mayflower does not have any COVID-19 positive residents nor staff at this time.
- Responses to the question, “Why did you choose to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?” include:
- Erin Gersdorf, Facilities Supervisor. “Due to my age and my family contact, I think the vaccination is a good idea. Since it has been given to millions with few severe side effects, I think it’s safe.”
- Tracy Woolfork, Health Center and Beebe Activities Coordinator. “I want to protect the residents, my family, my community, and myself. I believe it is safe and effective because I trust vaccines.”
- Frannie Robbins, Health Center resident. “To keep everyone alive that I can. I want to do all I can to help.”
- Donna Puls, LPN (and daughter of Frannie). “For safety of myself, the residents, and all of humankind.”
- Judy Thompson, Health Center resident. “I don’t want to die. I barely even knew that I got the shot.”
- Marilyn Starnes, Foodservices staff. “My sister had COVID-19 and wouldn’t wish it on anybody.”
- Leslie Jaworski, Community Life Director. “To help protect myself, my family, and all those that I work with and care for. I look forward to a return to ‘normal’ sometime in the future!”
- Julie Smith, Assisted Living and Homes Services Director. “Getting the vaccine is just one more step to working to stop the pandemic. It’s not only about protecting myself, but those in my community as well.”
— Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director