BOSTON — As drug developers Pfizer and Moderna announce early success in their COVID-19 vaccine trials, senior living facilities are jumping in line to get vaccinated first.
When a vaccine does become available to the public, the plan is for seniors at The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community in Methuen to be among the first to receive it, Executive Director Richard Govoni told Boston 25 News Monday.
Oregon-based Sunshine Retirement Living announced its Methuen facility was among the first local senior living communities to sign up for the CDC’s free vaccination program. The company has contracted with CVS to vaccinate staff and residents who choose to do so, on site.
“The goal was to be right at the front of the line to be able to provide this for our residents and families,” Govoni said. “We want to make sure we protect [our residents'] future and offer as much security as we can.”
The new retirement community has been COVID-free since opening in February, just as the coronavirus pandemic was ramping up, Govoni said.
Encouraging such precautions as social distancing, mask-wearing and good hygiene, along with regular testing for staff and testing for residents before they move in, have been important to keep the community safe, Govoni said.
Management is working on informing its residents the facility has enrolled early in the program, as staff are already eager to receive their vaccinations, he said.
“I think everyone’s been looking forward to the day a vaccination is announced,” Govoni said. “And to be able to hear the news that it’s coming, everyone’s been talking about it, everyone’s excited to hear that it’s on the way.”
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