Previous COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

Update 12/31/20:

We are preparing for the COVID-19 vaccination and details are rapidly developing. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below for more information about the vaccine. Our Crest Services locations are registered for the vaccine, which includes our members and staff.

Below you will find the break-out of information regarding the vaccine, vaccine provider, and vaccination updates by each Crest Services location.

Albert Lea:
No updates yet

Cedar Rapids:
Vaccine provider: Walgreens
Vaccination Date: In-process

Chariton:
Vaccine Date: Our local public health will be administering the vaccine to our staff on January 6th and our members soon after.

Des Moines:
Vaccine provider: Walgreens
Vaccination Date: In-process (vaccinations will be conducted at the office)

Harlan:
Vaccination Date: Department of Health will be offering the vaccine to the staff on 12/30/2020 & next Wednesday. Then will offer vaccine to our members in January.

Ottumwa:
No updates yet

Crest Services is preparing for these clinics by doing the following:

➢Working with our pharmacy to implement the vaccine clinic when ready.
➢Educating on the vaccine
➢Gathering authorizations for the vaccine from staff

______________

Update 12/23/20:

We are preparing for the COVID-19 vaccination and details are rapidly developing. Please see attachments for more information about the vaccine. Our Crest Services locations are registered for the vaccine, which includes our members and staff.

What we know from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) announced their recommendations for the initial phase of the COVID-19 vaccination program (1a):

Phase Ia
-Healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF).

Phase 2  (Per state of Iowa Public Department of Health website, COVID-19 Vaccine will likely be able to meet the demand during this phase and includes the following) :

– Appointment clinics,
– Direct collaboration with pharmacies
– Community clinics
– Homeless shelters,
– Non-profit agencies,
– Free clinics,
– Assisted living facilities,
– Nursing homes,
– Residential care facilities,
– Group homes
– Community centers
– Schools
– Corrections (jails, prisons or other transitional correctional facilities)
– Drive through settings as used annually for influenza vaccine
– Home visits
– Mass clinics
– Private/Closed clinics by employers

Walgreens will be our provider of the COVID-19 Vaccine for our Des Moines and Cedar Rapid locations. We are waiting further updates for the remaining sites.

Crest Services is preparing for these clinics by doing the following:

➢ Working with our pharmacy to implement the vaccine clinic when ready
➢ Educating on the vaccine
➢ Gathering authorizations for the vaccine from staff

_______________

Residents, Staff and Families,

There have been a lot of questions, comments and concerns from residents, families, employees, and those in our communities about the COVID-19 Vaccine. This vaccine is important in saving lives and reducing the transmissions of the virus.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is actively reviewing the COVID-19 vaccine for Emergency Use Authorization in the United States.  ABHM operates in six states and those states have told the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) they want nursing home/assisted living providers to be a priority.

ABHM’s mission is to create caring Christian communities that empower older adults, families, and people with disabilities and receiving this vaccine for our residents, members, and staff is a priority.  We, as an organization, support the federal vaccine effort for COVID-19.

It is important residents, members, staff, and families know that ABHM has registered, on behalf of all of our nursing homes, assisted living communities, and homes for the developmentally disabled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine that the federal government will be disbursing in the near future. Please note, this does include all of our employees working at all of our locations across ABHM.

Distribution of the vaccine has yet to be determined.

Individual states will decide how to roll this large initiative in the healthcare sector

We will use our ABHM website, each community’s website, Facebook pages, and other methods to communicate changes and updates as they occur.

ABHM has set up a designated email address to best respond to any questions, comments, or concerns specifically related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19Vaccine@abhomes.org

It is our duty to stay focused on our residents, members, staff and loved ones during this time of uncertainty. All of us have been impacted by the pandemic but we will continue to persevere. We urge you to join us in getting the COVID-19 vaccine, influenza vaccine, wear masks, avoid large gatherings, and stay six feet apart-especially through the holidays.

Thank you for your understanding, kindness, and prayers for those we serve.

There will be more information related to the vaccine as it is released by the government.

Stay Safe!

Jeff Hongslo
ABHM President/CEO