Heroic caregivers who have been at the bedside caring for COVID-19 patients throughout the pandemic were the first at Mercy Hospital Ada to get a vaccine to fight the virus.
Bradley Brown, PA works in the emergency department and was the first Mercy Hospital Ada co-worker to receive the vaccine Tuesday.
“I am filled with thankfulness for our co-workers who have answered the call when asked to serve,” said Terence Ferrell, Mercy Hospital Ada president. “Without question, this has been a very difficult time, but there is relief in sight. Please continue to mask, social distance, and wash your hands frequently.”
The Pfizer vaccine, which just received emergency use authorization Friday, arrived in Oklahoma Monday. The National Guard delivered the vaccine to hospitals across the state. Once the vaccine arrived in Ada, they were quickly moved into the ultra-cold freezer set aside for its storage. From there, pharmacy staff began the process of thawing the vaccine in a designated refrigerator.
Mercy caregivers will be prioritized for the vaccine based on state guidelines, with those working directly with COVID-19 inpatients receiving it first.
Mercy Hospital Ada will have a full vaccine schedule for co-workers through the weekend. The first shipment will be enough to vaccinate all those working with COVID-19 inpatients followed by all Mercy co-workers when more vaccines are received in the coming weeks.
