MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT AND GET VACCINATED!

We are making incredible progress. Each week, vaccine supplies are increasing and more and more of the population is becoming eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. 1199ers are playing a central role in educating our co-workers and our communities about the vaccines. Vaccination rates are going up and hesitance is going down. Every conversation we have is making a difference. Below are links to find out who is eligible and how to sign up for vaccinations. Click the links to find out more about where you can get vaccinated and how to make an appointment! When making an appointment, be patient and persistent, because vaccine demand still outweighs supply. But most of all, be sure to share this information with your family and friends, so that together we can move past the pandemic and get back to the people and things we love!

NEW YORK STATE

https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

New York State
COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)

New York City
https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/NYC

NEW JERSEY

https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/

MASSACHUSETTS

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccination-locations

MARYLAND

https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc

FLORIDA

https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/

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VACCINATIONS CONTRIBUTE TO HUGE DROP IN COVID-19 AMONG NURSING HOME STAFF

According to data from the federal government, the number of new COVID-19 cases among nursing home staff dropped by 85% between the December 20 and February 14. Over that same period, cases among nursing home residents dropped 89%, while the general public’s infection rate fell by 58%. The American Health Care Association, which represents nursing home operators, called the numbers a clear indication that the “the vaccine appears to be having a dramatic effect on reducing cases, which is extremely encouraging.” Johns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Morgan Katz, M.D., added that the vaccine “is a huge contributing factor” in the declines among nursing home staffers. After a very difficult year, his is great news for nursing home workers and residents and evidence that 1199ers’ vaccination outreach and education is working.

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MORE NURSING HOME WORKERS SIGN UP FOR VACCINES

With increasing evidence of the COVID-19 vaccines’ safety and efficacy, healthcare workers are signing up for vaccinations in bigger numbers. Massachusetts nursing home workers are leading the way. As of last week, nearly 80 % of Massachusetts nursing home workers had taken at least their first shot. Nationally, a March survey found more long-term care staff are ready to take the COVID-19 vaccine, with some 62% of respondents expressing their willingness to take the vaccine. That number was up significantly from a December 2020 survey, when just 32% percent of respondents expressed willingness to be vaccinated. The survey found that the vaccines’ effectiveness and lack of severe side effects are making more staff open to getting vaccinated. The survey also looked at respondents’ primary reasons for vaccination, which include helping prevent infection in family and friends; avoiding getting COVID-19 themselves; and putting an end to community lockdowns, gathering restrictions and/or virtual schooling.

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Q: Can I get vaccinated if I’m pregnant?

A: Yes. If you are pregnant, you might choose to be vaccinated. Based on how COVID-19 vaccines work, experts think they are unlikely to pose a specific risk for people who are pregnant. You might want to have a conversation with your healthcare provider to help you decide whether to get vaccinated. While a conversation with your healthcare provider might be helpful, it is not required before to vaccination.

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COVID-19 INFO AND FAQS Click here for the most up-to-date questions and information, compiled by the 1199 National Benefit Fund, about COVID-19. This is the first place to go with your questions about COVID-19 and the vaccines and how to get them. Read more If you have other questions about COVID-19 or the vaccines, Email us at: VaccineQuestions@1199.org