FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Terrie Davidson
Community Relations Manager
Wickenburg Community Hospital
[email protected]
928-684-3219
Wickenburg Community Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Update
Wickenburg, AZ, December 14th, 2020 – We are currently planning and preparing for the upcoming vaccine with state and local partners.” Karen Smith RN, NMCC, LSSGB Manager, Infection Prevention and Employee Health Chair, Safety Subcommittee at Wickenburg Community Hospital states, “According to Maricopa County Public Department of Health & the CDC, there are multiple steps that must be completed prior to a vaccine being available to community members.”
Information released includes a COVID Vaccine Timeline broken into stages. “The first stage includes; vaccine trials ongoing, gather 2 months of safety data, apply to FDA for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), FDA holds Vaccines and Related Biological Product Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) -December 10th and Dec 17th. Secondly; Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviews EUA and safety data, ACIP makes recommendations on who should receive the vaccine with the framework of equity, and notifies of contraindications if any. Thirdly; Arizona Vaccine and Antiviral Prioritization Advisory Committee (VAPAC) reviews ACIP recommendation, adjusts for Arizona -might include or exclude populations based on local needs, counties review the AZVAPAC (Arizona Vaccine and Antiviral Advisory Committee) information and make it operational, Maricopa County and local health systems independent review of scientific data.” (MCDPH) Once all of the above processes are complete, the distribution can begin.
ACIP proposed interim sequence for Phase 1 is divided into three stages. “1a – Health care personnel, LTCF residents, 1b) Essential workers (examples: education sector, food & agriculture, utilities, police, firefighters, corrections officers, transportation). Like healthcare personnel in 1a, eligible essential workers will be determined by their risk of exposure and critical nature to operations which must be done with science, equity, and flexibility. Then 1c – administered to adults with high-risk medical conditions and adults 65+.”
ACIP also published a statement that “Individuals who are vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and develop post-vaccine side effects including injection site pain, mild to moderate fever and/or chills within 24 hours of vaccination should attribute their symptoms to vaccination if the symptoms resolve in 24 hours. Vaccinated individuals whose side effects resolve within 24 hours of vaccination are able to return to work without restriction. Negative COVID Testing is NOT required of vaccinated individuals whose side effects have resolved within 24 hours of vaccination.
*Anyone with severe allergies is advised not to get the vaccine.”
WCH will keep you updated as more information on the vaccine release becomes available.
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