Continuing our “Sleeve Up Atria” initiative with the COVID-19 booster shot
Posted on September 15, 2021 by Admin
At Atria, protecting the well-being and safety of our residents and staff has always been our highest priority. We were among the first senior living companies to provide the COVID-19 vaccine when it became available in late 2020. Now, in partnership with CVS, we’ll be offering both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 booster shot to Atria residents and employees at on-site clinics as soon as the booster becomes available.
Currently, 99 percent of employees and residents have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Depending on when the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot is approved, it will be offered during our upcoming flu shot clinics, or we will schedule a separate CVS clinic dedicated to the COVID-19 booster vaccine.
Why it’s important to sleeve up
“Sleeve Up Atria” – the name of our COVID-19 vaccination initiative – was created to generate excitement, encourage participation and stress the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. We believe vaccines are critical to the safety and well-being of everyone who lives and works in our communities, and that’s why we again want to make “sleeving up” as safe and easy as possible.
COVID-19 cases are rising nationwide, and the flu is an ongoing seasonal threat. These vaccines go a long way to keeping us all healthy.
For the more than 21,000 residents who call Atria home, the success of “Sleeve Up Atria” has translated into the confidence to enjoy meals and programs together.
“Knowing we are no longer in the thick of it and that we’re getting back to normal makes me sleep better at night,” Beverly, a resident at Atria Rancho Peñasquitos in San Diego, California, stated. “I’m still staying safe, but now getting out and about again, and feeling freer.”
High-dose flu vaccine will be offered
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3-11% of the population falls ill with the flu every year, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with flu complications. Older adults are especially vulnerable, which is why Atria is committed to helping residents stay healthy during flu season.
This year, we’ll once again offer residents the opportunity to receive the high-dose flu vaccination for seniors, though the normal flu vaccine will also be available.
Atria is at the ready
While details of what regulatory officials will recommend for the COVID-19 booster shot have not been finalized, the White House has pledged to make long-term care settings – such as nursing homes and senior living communities – a priority. Said Atria Chairman and CEO John Moore, “The bottom line is we’re ready to go as soon as formal approval happens.”
Editorial note: This blog has been updated to adjust errors that appeared in the original version.
