Ormond in the Pines will be among first assisted living facilities to receive COVID-19 vaccine

Ormond Beach Observer
News

For the residents of Ormond in the Pines, an Ormond Beach assisted living facility, there is an end sight to the restrictions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic. In a couple weeks, all of them, along with the facility's staff and caregivers, will be able to get the vaccine.

Holiday Retirement Communities, of which Ormond in the Pines is under, will be among the first assisted living communities in the U.S. to receive the vaccine, according to a press release. Thanks to a partnership with CVS, there will be an on-site clinic for the administration of the vaccine, which requires two doses several weeks apart. The vaccine will administered at no cost, and all seven of Holiday's communities have been approved to receive it in the first round of the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program.

Michelle Hanner, executive director of Ormond in the Pines, said they are excited and ready to go. A vaccine means their residents will be able to enjoy open dining again safely, but most of all, they'll be able to interact with their families.

“That’s been probably the most restrictive in trying to keep everyone safe, is that they’ve had to recluse themselves from their families," Hanner said.

She's hoping that by having the clinic on-site, more residents and staff members will register to take the vaccine. She's not sure yet whether they will receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine; it all depends on which CVS chooses.

One thing is clear: Hanner didn't think their residents would be able to take the vaccine so soon. It's a pleasant surprise, she said.

“Our community is absolutely excited to be the frontrunner in assisted living taking the vaccination," Hanner said. "We’re just looking forward to this next phase in the pandemic and the end in sight.”

Holiday Retirement CEO Lilly Donohue expressed in the press release that hope was finally here.

“For the past nine months, I’ve been truly awestruck by the resilience, dedication, and adaptability of our residents and associates, and we’re so grateful that they will be among the first group being vaccinated in this historic milestone and what hopefully will help end the pandemic," she said.