VA homes in Louisiana began rollout of the Moderna vaccine Monday. Spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Brandee Patrick said two of their facilities began vaccinations and so far, no one has experienced a reaction to the vaccine.
“We have been very fortunate at both clinics yesterday no reactions. Once they receive the vaccine they do sit and are monitored for a period of fifteen minutes,” said Patrick.
Studies have shown the Moderna vaccine has fewer side effects among seniors, making it ideal for nursing homes.
They began vaccines at their homes in Jennings and Monroe, Monday, tomorrow in Reserve, and Saturday in Bossier. The rollout in Jackson is still being scheduled.
Patrick said workers and residents are very hopeful that the vaccines will help restore normalcy soon.
“We have had a strong interest, and particularly from our residents and their family members wanting to protect them and give them that next level of protection that the vaccine can offer them,” said Patrick.
Because roughly 40-percent of all fatalities from COVID have been in nursing home settings, the vaccines are especially welcome news. Patrick, however, said they will continue to follow CDC and CMS guidelines.
“We’re just really hopeful and we’re going to continue to follow all mitigation measures in terms of masking and social distancing, but we’ll just look towards any new guidance,” said Patrick.
Patrick said residents and workers will receive a second dose of the Moderna vaccine four weeks after the first.
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