COVID-19 Information

The first wave of COVID-19 vaccines is underway across our senior living campuses. Thank you to those who have chosen to get vaccinated and for your patience and support as we coordinate the many logistics that go into vaccine deployment. As we prepare for the follow up clinics, here few reminders and commonly asked questions about the vaccine.

QUICK REMINDERS:

• You must fill out a consent form for each vaccine given, even if you already filled one out for your first dose.
• Please continue proper infection control. Even though you have received your first dose of the COVID19 vaccine, you must continue to wear masks, socially distance and wash your hands. We will continue to follow these processes until Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updates us on new procedures.
• Bring your vaccine card with you so we can update it with the second dose information. This is the card you were given at the first COVID vaccine clinic.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Do I need to get a second dose? A: Yes, the second dose of the vaccine boosts your immune system so that it will recognize the COVID virus and fight it. Research has demonstrated that the initial dose of vaccine only provides about 50-60% protection against getting the virus. The addition of the second dose provides you with greater than 95% protection. That’s a big difference.

Q: Does everyone experience side effects? A: No. Not every person experiences side effects. If you did have some side effects they are a sign that your immune system is doing its job and the vaccine is working. Each person’s immune system reacts differently. If you had COVID-19 or were exposed, your side effects may be different than a person who wasn’t exposed or didn’t have the virus. The side effects may be unpleasant, but they are usually mild and only last a day or so. If you get COVID-19, you can become very ill or even require hospitalization.

Q: Does this vaccine prevent the new strain of COVID that has been presented just recently? A: Yes, it does which is good news. As potential new strains emerge, we will continue to update you on whether the current available vaccines cover them, too. We continue to be updated by the CDC and MDH daily as new research and information is available.

Q: If you have the vaccine, can you still get COVID, or give it to someone else? A: We are not sure. Because COVID is still relatively new there are still a lot of unknowns. It is possible that you may contract COVID-19 in the early days after vaccination, and before your second dose, as your body hasn’t had a chance to build full immunity. If you do contract it, it is then possible that you could give it to others. We will learn a significant amount this year as more people get vaccinated.

Q: Are masks and other safety precautions still required after vaccination? A: Yes. As stated above, people may still contract COVID-19 after they have been vaccinated and before their bodies have a chance to build immunity. We will continue to follow these processes until Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updates us on new procedures.

If you have questions regarding the vaccine you received, the upcoming second round of vaccines, safety procedures or other related questions, please contact your Executive Director.

Sincerely,
The SilverCrest Team