A coalition representing over 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living facilities is urging governors to give priority to long term care facilities in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living issued a statement this week asking governors to prioritize residents and staff of long-term care facilities when considering who should be included in the first round of COVID-19 vaccinations.
Cedarhurst Senior Living has facilities in Greene and Howell Counties. A spokeswoman says there are no active cases at either location, but there were 11 total cases reported in the West Plains locations since March. No deaths were reported there.
Kayla Nelms, spokeswoman for Cedarhurst, says the organization hasn’t gotten word yet on when they’ll receive the vaccine, but that the situation is “fluid” and could change quickly.
“We’ve recently signed up all of our communities with the CVS pharmacy to receive the vaccine. So once they are able to supply our communities we will have them,” Nelms told KSMU.
The recommendations from the AHCA/NCAL come after coronavirus cases reached record highs in nursing homes in November.
