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COVID-19 Vaccine Update

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Last week, Governor DeWine announced plans for distributing the COVID-19 vaccine starting in late December. While we are still working on plans for our network, we want to keep you informed as information is available, with the understanding that situations may change.  

The distribution of the vaccine will be phased over time. Included in Phase 1A (first to be offered) are health care workers and personnel who are routinely involved in the care of COVID-19 patients. We are waiting for further clarification from the state on who should be included in this phase.   

We learned that 201,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine will be shipped to health care systems and local health departments the week of December 22. Currently, we do not know how much of the vaccine is allocated to Kettering Health Network. Once we have a better idea of allocation, plans will be made to offer the vaccination to staff members included in Phase 1A.   

Like other COVID-19 vaccines, the Moderna vaccine will require two doses, with the second dose given 28 days after the initial dose. Please note that individuals receiving any COVID-19 vaccine may experience mild to moderate symptoms including muscle pain, chills, and headaches. Symptoms should not prevent individuals from receiving the second dose. Because of these side effects, we will be staggering when staff from a specific unit/department receive the vaccine to reduce the number of staff from a specific unit/department calling in ill on the same day.   

It typically takes a few weeks after receiving the second dose of the vaccine for the body to produce proteins to fight the virus. Therefore, it is possible that an individual could be infected with the virus just before or after vaccination and get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection. Individuals should continue following CDC social distancing guidelines after vaccination. 

Please note getting the vaccine is not a requirement at this time.  

More details about COVID-19 vaccines can be found by clicking here to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. Click here to view a FAQ document.

December 11, 2020
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