PATIENCE NEEDED with COVID-19 VACCINE

We have been informed that the initial Phase 1A and Phase 1B, Tier 1 of Louisiana’s state vaccine plan are underway. This includes vaccines for high-risk workers in health care settings, high risk responders, residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other community-based, congregate living settings where most individuals are receiving care and supervision. Additionally, all people 70 years or older and employees at health facilities are included. The more news aired about the vaccine the more anxious many people are to take the vaccine. Keep in mind the categorizes provided above are issued and mandated by the federal government and monitored by the state government. Already, there have been health sites that received penalties because they chose to provide vaccines to persons who are not listed in the above-listed groups. It is essential that you contact a facility and get placed on a waiting list. Being on a waiting list insures you of getting an appointment when your age or employment group becomes eligible. However, you are also placed on an emergency call list which indicates that in case of cancellations or other reasons a slot in opened, you may be called to come in for a vaccine. The key is to be PATIENT because your time is coming. Reportedly, Louisiana’s work to vaccinate nursing home residents and employees is moving slowly. Some employees at nursing homes simply do not want to take the vaccine. Presently, there is no law in place to mandate that they take the vaccine in order to work in the facility. However, legal discussions are underway to that regard. According to Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, the state, like other states, is expecting to see a 16% increase in the number of coronavirus vaccine doses to be received in the next few weeks. That will boost the weekly delivery of Pfizer and Moderna vaccine doses combined to 67.350. Still, demand outstrips supply. Vaccines will be available to the general public in spring or summer of 2021. Everyone who wants a vaccination should have the opportunity to get one.