DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – Front line healthcare workers in North Texas began receiving the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination on Monday.
Methodist Health System its first shipment of more than 5,800 doses of the vaccine Monday morning at the Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
“We are excited to be among the first in the state of Texas and nation to receive and administer this vital vaccine,” says James Scoggin, Jr., Methodist Health System Chief Executive Officer.
Methodist began administering the first of two required doses to more than 5,000 frontline staff shortly after the shipment arrived. According to Scoggin, a member of the house keeping staff on the COVID unit was the first to be vaccinated.
Scoggin said the vaccine is not mandatory for employees, but highly encouraged.
“The first group to receive the vaccine works directly with patients diagnosed with COVID-19 or at high risk for COVID-19,” said Martin L. Koonsman, MD, FACS, CPE, Chief Medical Officer. “That includes not only physicians and nurses, but also ancillary staff and technicians, food and environmental services workers, and others who care for patients with COVID-19.”
Also among the first groups to receive the Pfizer vaccine are those stationed in Emergency Departments, where potential COVID-19 patients often arrive, and Critical Care Units, where patients at high risk for the virus are often treated.
“Methodist Health System has been preparing for weeks to be in a position to receive and administer this vaccine as soon as possible,” says Jon Albrecht, RPh, MHA, BCNSP, FASHP, Vice President, Chief Pharmacy Officer. “That includes ensuring we have an ultra-cold, negative 70 degree freezer to safely store and protect at least 10,000 doses at a time, as well as a tiered plan to meet federal and state guidelines for vaccinating our employees as well as medical staff.”
The initial shipment Methodist received is strictly designated by the State to be used only for Methodist employees and medical staff in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
“Vaccinating our employees, especially those in high exposure areas, will allow us to better care for the public, by ensuring those critically needed caregivers remain available to continue to provide the care needed for the patients who come to our facilities,” says Pamela Stoyanoff, CPA, FACHE, President and Chief Operating Officer. “We want the communities we serve to have confidence that when they come to us for care, they will be safe. This vaccine will further enhance that confidence and begin to beat this virus once and for all.”
Parkland Hospital, UT Southwestern, and Texas Health Resources Medical Support in Fort Worth are expected receive vaccine shipments on Tuesday.
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