HSHS HOLY FAMILY HOSPITAL: COVID-19 Vaccine doses given to clinical colleagues at HSHS Holy Family

By Press release submission

Jan 1, 2021

HSHS Holy Family Hospital issued the following announcement on Dec. 23.

HSHS Holy Family Hospital and the Bond County Health Department have administered their first COVID-19 vaccines today, December 23, 2020. Cindy Crouch, RN, who works in the hospital’s emergency department and Dr. Phillip Siefken received the first doses in Bond County. Vaccines were administered smoothly and safely.

HSHS Holy Family Hospital in partnership with the health department are following the CDC guidelines to determine during which phases their colleagues will receive the vaccine. Those providing direct patient care will be given first priority to receive the vaccine.

Crouch shared why she wanted to get the vaccine. “I am doing this for my family, friends and our community,” she said. “Some of my family members are in the higher risk categories and doing the work that I do, I want make sure I keep them safe”.

Dr. Phillip Siefken shared the reason why he chose to get the vaccine, “I have reviewed the data and this vaccine is safer than the risk of COVID-19. This vaccine should be a good step toward getting control of this disease,” he shared.

Holy Family’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ryan Jennings shared, “This is an exciting time for our hospital as we are thrilled to be able to provide an additional level of protection for our colleagues who continue to provide exceptional and compassionate patient care in the midst of this pandemic. It is the first of many steps to come, but the journey begins with one step,” he said. “We are grateful to have this tool in our tool chest to combat this virus.”

HSHS Holy Family Hospital and the Bond County Health Department still encourage the community to do their part to decrease the number of COVID cases in the area. “Even though some doses of the vaccine have arrived, and more will be coming, we want to remind the community that the pandemic is not over,” Jennings said. “We must continue to be diligent with hand washing, social distancing, masking and staying home when we are ill. For those who need care, we are always here so we are also encouraging community members to not delay their care.”

Original source can be found here.