Beatitudes Community

State of the Campus – August 22nd

As has been the case since the beginning of the 18 months ago, Beatitudes Campus is closely following the guidance from the country's top health experts. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna for people with weakened immune systems, and the Centers for Disease Control and () recommended them. This past Wednesday, the CDC recommended that all adults over 12 years old receive a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine eight months receiving their second dose, subject to the FDA conducting an independent evaluation and determination of the safety and effectiveness of a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine. The recommendation for a booster right now only applies to those individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. The supply of booster shots for the nation is expected to be available near the end of September. People who received the Johnson & Johnson one-dose shot will also most likely require an additional dose, but recommendations for a booster are waiting for a review of clinical trials.

The third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are being administered for immunocompromised individuals in the same way as the initial two doses are now being given – at pharmacies, clinics and other health providers. Beatitudes Campus is currently reaching out to develop partnerships with pharmacies and other providers with the hope of providing a vaccination clinic here on campus after the boosters are approved by the FDA. Much work goes into developing these partnerships, and we will keep you informed as to the possibility of a booster vaccination clinic.

Additionally, Maricopa County Department of Public Health and the Arizona Department of recently did an infection prevention survey with the health care center. They issued the recommendation that anyone entering our licensed areas wear both surgical masks and face shields, particularly when Maricopa County is in the high rate of positivity. Effectively immediately, all staff and will comply with this recommendation.

Also, on Wednesday, August 18th, President Joe Biden announced that he is directing all nursing homes to require their staff be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to continue receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding and that employee vaccination will be a condition for nursing homes to participate in Medicare and Medicaid. LeadingAge, the professional for nonprofit life plan communities, has been advocating for COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment in all healthcare settings, including life plan communities like Beatitudes and health providers. How all of this will affect Beatitudes Campus will be determined once the regulations are drafted.

We continue testing all staff weekly and unvaccinated staff twice a week. So far, since the beginning of the pandemic, we have administered over 16,000 tests for COVID-19. That's a lot of nose-swabbing! This week, we have three Independent Living staff who tested positive for COVID-19 and are still in quarantine. We have no residents who have notified us that they are positive. Gratefully, all the staff and residents who have tested positive during this latest surge of COVID-19 infections have or are recovering.

All of us at Beatitudes Campus are working tirelessly to keep our campus safe. We are Beatitudes Strong! Please stay healthy!

Author Info: Michelle Just
Michelle Just is the President & CEO of Beatitudes Campus, a team member since August 2000.

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