COVID-19 vaccinations begin in nursing homes in Michigan

RIVERVIEW, me. – On Monday, there was a lot of enthusiasm and anticipation as the first patients at home in Michigan became immune to COVID-19.

“It was exciting. It was addictive. I can’t even express how happy I was to be vaccinated today, “said Sujata Chaddha of Rivervate Terrace Care Center in Riverview.

Nearly 140 patients and some of the staff at Rivergate Terrace Care Center were among the first to receive photos.

The Rivergate Terrace Care Center will also receive a new round of vaccination on January 4th.

“It’s a hope that everyone has been holding on to. Everyone was looking forward to it, “Chaddha said.

Nursing homes and long-term care institutions were some of the places most affected by COVID-19.

At the Rivergate Terrace Care Center, 20 patients died from the virus in April.

Long-term care centers accounted for more than 35,000 cases in Michigan and 4,400 deaths during the pandemic.

Michigan health officials have set a goal of vaccinating 70 percent of Michiganders over the age of 16. This represents about 5.6 million people, by the end of 2021, according to the state.

“There are about 91,000 people, including residents and staff at health care facilities, and it is expected to take about three weeks to complete vaccinations. Additional eligible facilities will soon start receiving vaccinations, including assisted living, personal care homes, residential care, adult family homes, adult foster homes, HUD support homes for the elderly and veterans’ homes. a statement released by the state of Michigan.

Vaccines mean that high-risk residents will eventually receive some protection.

“God, patients and families are so excited about this. It is likely and hopefully the beginning to the end of the pandemic, “Chaddha said.

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 480,508 since Monday, including 12,089 deaths, state officials said.

Monday’s update includes 3,239 new cases and 60 additional deaths in the last two days.

“This is a wonderful day for older Michiganderers, their families and the dedicated men and women who care for them. We know that this virus is a killer that preys on our most vulnerable populations, which is why my administration has given priority to testing in our nursing homes from the beginning. Now, we have developed a plan that will help us distribute a safe and effective vaccine to our nursing home residents and staff, ”said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Remember, it will take some time for the vaccine to be widely distributed to everyone. That is why it is so important for all of us to do our part, continuing to disguise ourselves properly, to practice safe social distancing, and to avoid indoor gatherings where the virus can easily spread from person to person. We will go through this together. “

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS medical executive director and deputy chief for health, also commented on the nursing home vaccinations.

“We know that the inhabitants of these facilities are at high risk of severe illness and death due to the virus, and early vaccination of residents and their caregivers is essential to help protect this population. We are pleased that more than 5,000 long-term care facilities – including more than 400 qualified health care facilities – have been enrolled in the Michigan program to receive the COVID-19 vaccine safely and effectively, ”said Khaldun.