Thankfully, after a trying year of loss, grief, isolation and seemingly endless challenges, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is offering hope for the future. Chimes staff are certainly doing their part by rolling up their sleeves and getting vaccinated in significant numbers where vaccines are available.
With the initial introduction of Phase 1a of the vaccination program by the Center for Disease Control, many states agreed that healthcare personnel and residents of long-term care facilities should be first in line in receiving the vaccinations. Now with Phase 1b and 1c in progress, people with disabilities, particularly those who live in group homes, should have greater access to the vaccinations. Chimes leadership is also working with each state and jurisdiction in which we operate to coordinate with their vaccine rollout programs to ensure that those who are eligible and willing, will get their shots as soon as possible.
We are happy to report that 315 members of the Chimes Maryland staff and service participants received their first round of vaccines in mid-February. Check out this quick video showcasing the enthusiasm our team has for getting vaccinated so we can continue to serve the vulnerable segment of the population we are committed to helping. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrsmavuJIFE&ab_channel=ChimesInternational
Chimes Virginia was one of the first subsidiaries to successfully host their COVID-19 vaccine clinics and both rounds of vaccinations have been given to staff and persons served in the first wave of vaccinations with the help of Walgreens pharmacy.
By getting vaccinated, Chimes staff and residents are doing their part and taking an important step in the battle against the pandemic.
Special “I Got Vaccinated” buttons are handed out to each vaccinated team member and after receiving their shots, team members are encouraged to sign one of several message boards to tell why they felt it was important to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
While our service options vary by location, Chimes has served over 26,000 people with disabilities, and we employ 4,000+ people. We are very excited to finally be able to provide an increased level of safety to both individuals served and staff after such a trying year. We continue to take every precaution to keep our residents and staff safe, and will persevere in encouraging mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing when possible.
You can access more information about the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine here:
Walgreens – https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/covid-vaccine.jsp
Maryland – https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/vaccine/
DC – https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccine
Delaware – https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/
