As infection rates across the country increase, Commonwealth Senior Living remains steadfast in our efforts to protect and care for our residents, and we want to make sure you are informed on our response to COVID-19 as well as our vaccine plan for our seniors.
The greatest generation, once again, is paving the way for a healthier future for the rest of the country. For some of our residents, they were born around the time of the Spanish Flu and were among the first to help eradicate the Measles and Polio by receiving vaccines. Now they stand ready to be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the hopes of eradication as we forge toward our new normal.
In clinical trials, both young adults and older adults tolerated the vaccines well. More than 70,000 people participated in the Phase 3 clinical trials for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. Developed from past research on the mRNA delivery system and the SARS and MERS viruses, it showed 94-95% effectiveness. It is a two-part vaccine with the second dose given 21-28 days after the first injection. It is important to get both doses of the vaccine as the second dose is needed to create immunity to the virus.
The implementation of the vaccine will lead our communities back toward the environment our residents and families have grown to love, one which includes regular visits with family, excursions out to town, and group programming. Our communities are partnering with Walgreens and CVS to conduct on site clinics in each of our communities with no out of pocket cost to residents or associates. We are strongly encouraging all residents and associates to agree to receive the vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What type of vaccine is the COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is an intra-muscular injection. It is a two-part vaccine with the second dose given 21-28 days after the first injection. It is important to get both doses of the vaccine as the secondary dose assists with developing lasting immunity to the virus.
Is the Vaccine safe?
Yes. The COVID-19 vaccines have been tested in clinical trials and are deemed to be safe. In clinical trials both young adults ages 18-55 and older adults ages 65-85 tolerated the vaccines well. More than 70,000 people participated in the Phase 3 clinical trials for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.
The COVID-19 vaccines do not use live viruses. These vaccines use a carrier that delivers the characteristic information of the COVID -19 virus to your muscle cells prompting it to create the S-protein (spike protein) that prompts the immune system to build an immune response (short term) and memory(long-term) to that spike protein.
Are the COVID-19 vaccines effective?
Clinical trials have shown the COVID-19 vaccines are 94-95% effective.
Why was COVID-19 Vaccine developed so quickly?
Past research on the mRNA delivery system, combined with past research on the SARS and MERS viruses has assisted in the quick development of the COVID-19 vaccine.
What are the side-effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Side effects include: Localized reactions - swelling, redness and pain at injection site. Other side effects include fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever.
Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
State run vaccine sites. (May be earliest option for community associates). Partnership vaccine clinics with CVS, Walgreens and other pharmacy providers. (CSL will coordinate for all residents and associates that choose this option.)
Check with your community, health department or pharmacy for more details.