**Updated April 30th, 2021**

For several months we have shared information about the important role the COVID-19 vaccine plays in helping to end the pandemic and returning to normal activities. The American Health Care Association has provided answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine through its getvaccinated.us website. I have highlighted a few of these questions and answers below:

Q:         Why should I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
A:          Getting vaccinated will help you keep long term care and skilled nursing patients, your family members and coworkers safe, and keep you from getting sick or seriously ill from COVID-19. Ultimately, it will allow the safe return of kids to school, adults to work and families to reunite.

Q:         When and where can I get the vaccine?
A:         The vaccine is now readily available to all Virginians who qualify to receive vaccine based on age and certain health conditions. The Virginia Department of Health has included this link on their website to assist in locating vaccination locations near you: vaccinefinder.org.

Q:         Which vaccine should I get/which one is the best?
A:          All three vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson’s) have been approved for use by the FDA. All of them have shown to be highly effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19, and are very safe. All three vaccines have similar side effects, such as fever, headache, chills and aches lasting 1-2 days after getting the shot.

Q:         Should I get the vaccine if I’ve already had COVID-19?
A:         The public health experts at CDC recommend receiving the COVID-19 vaccine even if you have previously had the virus. While your body produces antibodies against the virus, getting vaccinated ensures you have the greatest level of protection. Also, keep in mind that while you may have already had COVID-19, the risk of a second infection is possible due to the rise of new variants of the virus.

County Positivity Rate:  Decreased to 9.3%.
Testing Frequency for Staff and Patients: Staff and patients are tested every 3-7 days during the outbreak until the Center is 14 days without a positive test result.
PPE: The supply remains adequate. Staff receive ongoing education on appropriate PPE utilization.
Visitation: Scheduled virtual, indoor and outdoor visitation are currently available. To schedule a visit, click this link:  https://carriagehill-rehab.com/patient-visitations/.
*Previous cumulative data on COVID-19 may be found on the Center’s website: https://carriagehill-rehab.com/.

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,
Osman “Ozzie” Lambiro, LNHA
Administrator