Perry Lutheran Homes Holds First COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

Perry Lutheran Homes partnered with CVS Pharmacy to hold their first on-site COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Tuesday, January 5. Over 100 individuals, both residents and staff, with signed consent forms living or working at King’s Gardens Campus received their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The second “booster” dose will be administered on January 26.

Rev. Max Phillips, CEO at Perry Lutheran Homes receives the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine administered by CVS Pharmacy nurse Leah Dicket.

Through this vaccine, residents will be able to once again enjoy social time, group activities, in-person visitors, and more. Eighty percent of deaths occurred in adults 65 and older. This vaccine will protect older adults as they get back to living a more normal life.

“The atmosphere yesterday at our vaccine clinic was one of excitement shared by both residents and staff. It is such a joy to know we will get back to living and caring in a more normal way. 2020 was a long and difficult year, but residents, resident families and staff really pulled together to support one another. And, we are overjoyed with the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Melissa Gannon, COO and Administrator at Perry Lutheran Homes.

Perry Lutheran Homes staff, Jennifer Rothfus and Deb Kruse, hold up their COVID-19 immunization cards after receiving the vaccine.

Perry Lutheran Homes is working with Walgreens Pharmacy to finalize vaccine clinic days at Eden Acres Campus. Prior to the November 16 acquisition of the Rowley Masonic Community, now Eden Acres Campus, there had already been a signed contract securing COVID-19 vaccines through Walgreens. Those living at Spring Valley Campus have COVID-19 vaccine clinic dates set for January 11 and February 1. All of the vaccine distribution regulations and timelines are set by federal and state health agencies, so Perry Lutheran Homes continues working hand-in-hand with the health agencies to vaccinate all residents and staff.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been found to be 94% effective in preventing individuals from contracting the virus. The goal of the vaccine is to expose the body to an antigen that won’t cause disease but will provoke an immune response that can block or kill the virus. There is no charge for the vaccine or its administration. For additional information about the vaccine, please visit: https://info.omnicare.com/rs/095-VIX-581/images/COVID-19%20Vaccination%20FAQs_V2.pdf. Also, beware of scams related to the COVID-19 vaccine. There is no waitlist or cost for the vaccine. Never give out any personal or financial information.

Perry Lutheran Homes and CVS Pharmacy staff work together at the on-site vaccine clinic at King’s Gardens Campus.

“There is a lot of false information out there about the vaccine,” states Amanda Cregeen, Infection Preventionist at Perry Lutheran Homes. Cregeen continues, “When it comes to the protection of our elderly population, the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh any negatives. It will not only benefit residents’ physical health by preventing a COVID-19 infection, but their mental health should improve drastically as they socialize and enjoy activities with other residents, and have in-person visits from friends, family, church and community. With the vaccine, we are hoping that this pandemic becomes a thing of the past.”

Perry Lutheran Homes RN Jessica Fester receiving the COVID-19 vaccine by CVS Pharmacy nurse Leah Dicket.

Residents and staff enjoyed snacks and received a sticker once immunized.

Perry Lutheran Homes is your locally owned and managed, Christian Caring Community serving Perry and surrounding communities for nearly 65 years. Perry Lutheran Homes offers innovative, personalized, Christ-centered living and care at three campuses in Perry, IA – Spring Valley Campus, King’s Gardens Campus and Eden Acres Campus. Services include independent and assisted living, award-winning memory care, in-home care, respite care, skilled nursing care, rehabilitative therapy, intermediate and long-term care, end-of-life care and meals on wheels.