80 Percent of Goodwin House Residents, Staff Have Received COVID-19 Vaccine
ALEXANDRIA, VA-Did you know Goodwin House Incorporated (GHI) was one of the first senior living organizations to schedule its residents and staff for the COVID-19 vaccine? The effort began late last year at its Alexandria and Falls Church sites as well as for seniors who receive continuing care at home.
Currently, 80 percent of residents and staff have been fully vaccinated while the national average for seniors is 37 percent.
“I’m getting the COVID-19 vaccine because of the strong scientific evidence for effectiveness it shows among diverse populations,” said Dr. Mariatu Karoma-Nelson, Goodwin House Medical Director. “I also want to protect the lives and well-being of my family, patients, colleagues, and community.”
Since December, GHI has been collaborating with area pharmacies and health departments. Residents and staff have been updated on their effort through email. GHI has not mandated the vaccine at its communities. Rather, they have chosen to focus on education about its safety and encouraged those concerned to have conversations with available medical professionals.
The high vaccination rate is allowing GHI to expand the number and type of in-person activities available to residents and permit visitation starting in March.
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