Sentara prepares for COVID-19 vaccine

As several potential COVID-19 vaccines make their way through clinical trials, Sentara Healthcare is wasting no time and is meeting regularly with state and federal officials.

The health system said immunization with a safe and effective vaccine is a key component of the United States’ strategy to reduce the severity of, and deaths attributed to, the virus.

Here are the highlights from Sentara:

• Sentara Healthcare has agreed to be an early adopter of COVID-19 vaccine administration as part of the state’s Unified Command and VDH COVID-19 Vaccination Plan.
• Sentara has created a COVID-19 Vaccine Taskforce to develop a plan, guidance, and clear communication for our team members and community. “As we receive guidance from state and federal regulators, we will share more with you,” Sentara officials said.
• Sentara expects to receive a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines upon Emergency Use Authorization approval and nationwide distribution.
• Upon procurement, the voluntary COVID-19 vaccine will be first available to high risk health care employees using a phased approach consistent among hospitals in Virginia. Virginia hospitals have come together through the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association and agreed upon a standard stratification of eligible employees, based on risks.
  • Healthcare workers with the highest risk of COVID-19 exposure will be given priority (example: COVID inpatient units and emergency personnel).
  • The COVID-19 vaccine will be voluntary/optionalfor Sentara employees. No one will be required to receive the vaccine, according to Sentara.

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