January 7, 2021 – On January 6, 2021, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital began administering the second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
The second dose of this vaccine is given 21 days after the first dose. Among the first hospital colleagues to receive the second vaccine dose was hospital colleague Ryan Williams, RN, who was also the first to receive the first dose on December 16, 2020. All of the vaccines were administered smoothly and safely.
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ryan Jennings shared, “The administration of these second doses is just as important as the first doses we gave a few weeks ago. The second dose is critical to achieve the level of protection that was seen in the trials. Without it, our goal of halting the pandemic will not be successful without completing the series,” he said. “When the vaccines are offered to the community, we urge people to make sure they get both doses.” Ryan Williams shared that his reaction to the first vaccine was very mild (had a sore arm, etc.), and was eager to get the second dose. “I was glad to get my first dose and I am glad to get this second one to keep my patients and colleagues safe,” Williams said. “We can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
At this time, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is not requiring its colleagues to receive the vaccination, although they are recommending to colleagues and the community to receive the vaccine when it is available to them. “As soon as the vaccines became available to us from the Macon County Health Department starting on December 16 our team has effectively and efficiently set-up and conducted vaccination clinics in our ministry,” said Dr. Jennings. “We couldn’t be prouder of the coordination and teamwork done to ensure the careful yet rapid immunization of our colleagues, medical staff, and local health care providers who chose to be immunized to help protect themselves and their patients.”
Until the pandemic is over, St. Mary’s Hospital still encourages people to do their part to decrease the number of COVID cases in our community by continuing with diligent hand washing, social distancing, masking, and staying home if you are not feeling well. The hospital is also encouraging you to not delay your doctor’s appointments, screenings, and visits to the emergency room in emergent situations. For more information about HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, visit their website.
