860.263.3800 JOIN OUR TEAM ABOUT SERVICES RESOURCES LOCATIONS SCHEDULE A TOUR HOME » COVID-19 UPDATES Our Passport to Better Health A Message from Marvin Ostreicher, President Dear NHCA Family, I wanted to personally write to you and share some thoughts regarding the state mandates for the COVID-19 vaccine. I never imagined that within my lifetime I would experience a pandemic of such deadly magnitude that would result in mandatory regulations for those working in our field of healthcare – our workforce. Click here to read the rest of Marvin’s memo to our staff. COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit and Resources National Health Care Associates affiliate centers remain vigilant and continue to reinforce strict safety measures and infection control protocols. However, the COVID-19 vaccine provides an essential layer of protection from the virus. This page will be updated frequently with updates from NHCA, as well as authoritative resources, to help our staff remained informed in defeating COVID. FAQ with Ann Spenard, CCO, about the COVID-19 Vaccines Download a shareable version here Q: Are these vaccines fully approved by the FDA for use? A: The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is fully approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are being issued under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA. An EUA makes the vaccine available for public health emergencies. It means that the vaccine is available outside of a research study but has not yet reached full FDA approval, which takes some time. This is the typical first step for a new vaccine. The research continues as it moves toward full approval. Q: What are the long-term side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine? Q; Can pregnant or breast-feeding women get the COVID-19 vaccine? Q: Will the COVID-19 vaccine prevent me from being able to get pregnant? Q: Should people with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome get vaccinated? Q: Can the COVID-19 vaccine alter your DNA? Q: I heard the COVID-19 vaccine was developed to control individuals through microchip tracking. Is that true? Q: What is the difference among the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines? Q: Do the COVID-19 vaccines have any side effects? Q: How do we know if the vaccines are safe? Q: Are there toxic ingredients in the vaccine? Q: Do the COVID-19 vaccines protect against the variants? Q: Can I still get COVID-19 after I have been vaccinated? Q: Should I get the vaccination if I already had COVID-19? Q: What are the benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine? COVID-19 Vaccine Resources Below is a list of authoritative resources to help you make an informed decision about the COVID-19 vaccine. Top 10 Reasons to get Vaccinated Against COVID-19 (English & Spanish) CDC: Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine CDC: Ensuring COVID-19 Vaccines Work Preferred Therapy Solutions: An Overview of Vaccine Development and Testing Preferred Therapy Solutions: Important Vaccines in Our History COVID Vaccine FAQ Sheet from NHCA’s Chief Clinical Officer FDA-approved COMIRNATY by Pfizer for BioNTech vaccine Fact Sheet Preferred Therapy Solutions: COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet Considerations Involving Pregnancy, Lactation and Fertility #PassportToBetterHealth: Featured Staff Testimonials Our Patients’ Safety Our Centers are exercising an abundance of caution and taking every measure possible to protect our patients. Our patients are always our highest priority. We are following the guidance of state and local Departments of Health and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As COVID-19 evolves, we are updating our plans as necessary. We continue to be guided by our mission to ensure the health and wellbeing of those in our care. NHCA Infection Control Protocols Mandatory supplemental training for all Center employees about COVID-19 and best practices for patient care, infection control, and personal safety – building on the training they already receive at regular intervals during the year. Strict handwashing hygiene, and infection control protocols have been enforced and closely monitored in all NHCA Centers. All staff are screened daily and closely monitored for possible exposure or illness in accordance with infection control best practices and state and federal guidelines. We stockpiled sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure that all team members in our Centers have appropriate PPE. Our clinicians are constantly circulating to observe residents and ensure that all housekeeping, hygiene and infection control measures are being properly carried out and to respond to any questions. WE CARE Family Communication As part of our ongoing efforts to provide residents and their families with peace of mind, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have developed the WE CARE Family Communication Plan. This plan outlines our efforts and commitment to providing valuable information and updates to families and loved ones. Click here to view the WE CARE Family Communication Plan. Last year, began utilizing a new technology that allows updates, as well as any other relevant communications, to be distributed automatically via text and email. To receive these communications, residents, patients, and their loved ones will need to ensure that the Center has updated contact information. We will also continue to post updates to our WE CARE Family Communication Plan to our website. We look forward to the added capabilities this technology will offer in helping us provide trusted, quality care to our residents. Virtual Visits Until further notice, visits to our Centers are restricted as part of a nationwide effort to stem the exposure of COVID-19. This measure applies to all visitors, except in situations such as end-of-life care. During this challenging time, we care that you continue to stay connected with your loved one. While the comfort you bring cannot be shown in person, our Centers are equipped to allow you and your loved one to enjoy virtual visits. Virtual visits can be arranged by contacting our Centers directly. COVID-19 Communication Line (888) 338-7806 For ways to communicate with your loved one, please call our COVID-19 Communication Line. Media Inquiries For all media inquiries, please contact info@nhca.com. 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