News

Most residents keen to receive vaccine

January 14th, 2021

After spending forty days around Christmas isolated inside their rooms due to a COVID outbreak, residents at Points West Living Red Deer were eager to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. The outbreak is expected to be declared officially over in the next few days. In hopes of avoiding another COVID outbreak in the future, GM Tracy Elliott led the way to get vaccinated.

Quick recovery from adverse reaction

Ironically, Tracy did have a bit of a reaction to the vaccine, but she shrugs it off. “I got a sore arm – enough to complain about, fatigue, and a crazy headache. I went home at noon, and with half a day of sleep and a painkiller, I was back to normal.” Tracy and other employee care partners received the Pfizer vaccine at a clinic held in a health unit up the street.

Residents eager for vaccine

Residents received the more temperature-tolerant Moderna vaccine. Ninety-seven of 114 Designated Supportive Living residents received the shot. “They were eager,” says Tracy. “They were ready; champing at the bit to get it done. Some families or agents refused on behalf of residents. Memory Care residents are not understanding what’s going on, and when the pokes happened there was a bit of swearing, but that’s it. We’re still waiting on Alberta Health Services to come and do Independent residents, as they were chosen not to get it in the first round.”

COVID prevention still a priority

Even with the vaccines underway, COVID prevention protocol is still in effect at all Points West Living communities.

Photo: PWL Stettler GM, Tracy Elliott (far right) stands with employee care partners who have had their COVID-19 vaccinations.