Some Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine sent to Sentara; “priority group” of hospital workers to get first shot

Sentara Healthcare reported Dec. 14 that it received a limited shipment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 14 that will be used for a “priority group” of hospital employees.

In a news release, Senrara said it “is following recommendations from the Virginia Department of Health and limiting initial vaccine distribution to a priority group that includes Emergency Department staff, ICUs, COVID patient units, Respiratory Unit staff and Hospital staff who provide services in these areas (e.g., ESD, food service, staff who go into patient rooms), among others.”

Vaccines are being shared at locations across the entire Sentara Healthcare system.

The COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary. Sentara employees are not required to receive the vaccine. All staff will continue to wear proper PPE, including masks, and follow Sentara’s COVID-19 protocols regardless of vaccination status, the news release said.

The COVID-19 vaccine is not available to the community at this time.

This vaccine requires two doses spaced three weeks apart. Sentara said in the news release that it “will receive an additional shipment with the second dose of the vaccine at a date to be determined later.”