Washington Regional Receives COVID-19 Vaccine
Washington Regional today received 975 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine,
which was recently approved for emergency use by the FDA. The 975 doses have been prioritized for team
members with the greatest risk of exposure to COVID-19. These frontline workers will receive their
vaccines during drive-through vaccination events throughout the next week.
“Within the next 24 hours, Washington Regional will begin using its allotment to vaccinate physicians,
nurses, respiratory therapists, environmental services team members and others who work with patients
being evaluated or treated for COVID-19,” said Washington Regional President and Chief Executive Officer
Larry Shackelford.
Washington Regional anticipates additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all team
members over the coming months.
“As health care providers, we all know the devastating impact this virus has had on our community and the
compelling need to bring the pandemic to heel,” said Washington Regional Chief Medical Officer David
Ratcliff, MD. “It is imperative that all members of society be vaccinated for our nation, state and community
to put this pandemic behind us.”
While a vaccine offers hope that our lives will return to some sense of normalcy, our community must
remain vigilant. To keep our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed, we urge the community to continue
following the simple public health measures that have been recommended since spring: wear a mask,
wash your hands, watch your distance and avoid large gatherings, especially as we head into the
Christmas and New Year’s holiday season.