MCMC to Begin COVID-19 Vaccinations for Staff Tomorrow
(December 28, 2020) -- Mid-Columbia Medical Center has received its first
shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine, and employees on the frontlines of care
will be the first to receive these initial doses, beginning tomorrow.
In the coming weeks, MCMC hopes to be able to offer the vaccine to many
more hospital employees, including physicians, nurses and other healthcare
professionals.
“We are so pleased to begin offering the COVID-19 vaccine to our
dedicated staff members who have been bravely serving our community throughout
this pandemic,” said Serene Perkins, M.D., chief medical officer
at MCMC. “We have been anxiously awaiting this historic day for
many months.”
MCMC received the Moderna vaccine, which requires 28 days between the first
and second doses. MCMC is following the state’s guidelines on vaccine
distribution, which includes three phases:
- Phase 1 is divided into three subsections: 1a is health care workers and
long-term care facility workers, 1b is essential and critical industries,
and 1c will be high-risk patients, such as those with underlying conditions
and people over 65.
- Phase 2 includes other critical populations.
- Phase 3 is the general population.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, the general population is expected
to be eligible for vaccination sometime in spring 2021. The exact timeline
is dependent upon the number of doses the state receives from the federal
government.
“At this time, the virus is still spreading throughout our community,”
added Dr. Perkins. “Please continue to be vigilant with wearing
a mask, washing your hands, practicing social distancing and avoiding
large gatherings. Stay safe now so we can all look forward to a healthy
new year.”
Founded in 1901, Mid-Columbia Medical Center is a nationally recognized
hospital dedicated to serving residents of The Dalles and its surrounding
communities. In 1992, MCMC became the first hospital in the nation to
integrate the Planetree philosophy of patient care, which emphasizes the
need to address a person’s intellectual, environmental, emotional
and spiritual concerns in addition to their physical needs. As a Planetree-affiliated
hospital, MCMC works to provide a caring, nurturing and educational environment;
puts great efforts into humanizing and demystifying the medical experience;
and strives to empower people to become active partners in their own healthcare.
For more information visit
mcmc.net.