Ryan Williams, RN. receives one of the first COVID Vaccines at HSHS St. Marys Hospital.The vaccines were adminstered by Tara Peasley, director of emergency and critical care services.
December 17, 2020 – The first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 were administered in Macon County yesterday at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital.
HSHS administered the first COVID-19 vaccine doses to hospital colleagues Ryan Williams and Sr. Ritamary Brown and Dr. Wajih Raqeem of the HSHS Medical Group. The hospital reports that all the vaccines were administered smoothly and safely.
The doses were administered to clinical colleagues providing direct patient care, all of who voluntarily consented to receive the vaccine.
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital will be following the CDC guidelines to determine during which phases their colleagues will receive the vaccine. Locally, they will continue to work closely with the Macon County Health Department.
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital CEO Michael Hicks 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.”
Just under 1000 doses of the vaccine were delivered to Macon County, including 495 doses to Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Both hospitals continue to encourage people to do their part to decrease the number of COVID cases in the community, such as wearing a mask and social distancing.
