COVID -19 Chronicle - Update December 2020

Vaccinations, What We Know and What We Don’t What we don’t know about a COVID-19 vaccine right now, is exactly when it will arrive or what it will look like. Will it be a single dose? Will it require a second dose booster? Will you need to get it every year? These details will come when researchers develop, test, and approve the vaccine. What we do know is that there are several scientific teams working around the globe to develop a safe and effective vaccine to help all of us resume a normal pace of life. We also know that any vaccine that is approved will be thoroughly vetted by Northern Light Health’s own pharmacists for safety and effectiveness before we administer it, just like we do with any other medication.

An Ounce of Preparation For several months, a team at Northern Light Health, along with a larger group from organizations across the state, have been planning and preparing for the eventual arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine. They have been ordering, purchasing, and readying necessary supplies. Vaccination safety protocols have been revisited and site location pre-planning has been conducted around the state. While we cannot control when a vaccine arrives, we are taking action to ensure that we’re ready to provide access quickly and safely.

Pictured: James Cattin, RPh, MS, director, Inpatient Pharmacy, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center with one of the sub-zero freezers that will be used to store vaccines.

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