COVID-19 vaccinations begin in Michigan nursing homes

RIVERVIEW, Mich. – On Monday, there was a lot of excitement and anticipation when the first patients at the Michigan nursing home were immunized with COVID-19.

“It was exciting. It was captivating. I can’t even express my feelings about the joy of being vaccinated today,” said Sujata Chaddha of Rivergate Terrace Care Center in Riverview.

Almost 140 patients and part of the Rivergate Terrace Care Center team were the first to receive the vaccines.

The Rivergate Terrace Care Center will also receive another round of vaccine on January 4.

“It is a hope that everyone was clinging to. Everyone looked forward to the start, ”said Chaddha.

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities were some of the places hardest hit by COVID-19.

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

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

Michigan health officials have set a goal to vaccinate 70% of Michiganders over the age of 16. That is about 5.6 million people, by the end of 2021, according to the state.

“There are about 91,000 people, including residents and staff in nursing facilities, and it is expected to take about three weeks to complete the vaccination. Additional eligible facilities will soon begin receiving vaccines, including assisted living, personal care homes, residential care, adult family home, adult adoption home, HUD support housing for nursing homes and veterans, ”says a statement released. by the State of Michigan on Monday.

Vaccines mean that high-risk residents will finally have some protection.

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

The number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Michigan rose to 480,508 on Monday, including 12,089 deaths, state officials reported.

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

“This is a great day for the older Michiganders, their families and the dedicated men and women who care for them. We know that this virus is a killer that attacks our most vulnerable populations, which is why my government has prioritized 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 residents and asylum workers, ”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 that we all do our part, continuing to mask properly, practice safe social detachment and avoid internal meetings where the virus can easily spread from person to person. We will get through this together. “

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical officer and deputy health chief, also commented on vaccinations in nursing homes.

“We know that residents of these facilities are at high risk of serious illness and death from the virus, and the early vaccination of both residents and those who care for them is essential to help protect this population. We are pleased that more than 5,000 long-term care facilities – including more than 400 qualified nursing facilities – have been enrolled in the Michigan program to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, ”said Khaldun.