VNA Health begins administering COVID-19 vaccine to staff with patient contact

VNA Health Care is delighted to announce that on Thursday, Dec. 31, at 9 a.m., it will begin vaccinating staff with patient contact against COVID-19.

This vaccination clinic will take place at the VNA Health Center in Aurora.

"2020 has been a year that has been indelibly shaped by the emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Throughout this year, VNA has been dedicated to the delivery of care to vulnerable populations at increased risk of health disparities. After a year in which we have not only seen extraordinary challenges and loss, but also courage and resilience, it seems particularly fitting that we should end the year of 2020 with celebration and hope as we begin administering this vaccine that will help save lives," said Linnea Windel, RN, MSN, FAAN, president and CEO.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, VNA has steadfastly maintained delivery of health care and supportive services for people in need. In addition to care that includes obstetrics, pediatrics, family practice, mental and behavioral health services, this care has included COVID-19 screening, testing, contact tracing and follow-up care, with over 25,000 tests administered.

"We join the nation's leading public health experts in encouraging everyone to get vaccinated as each group is given this opportunity over the coming months. Vaccination provides each of us with a critical opportunity to protect ourselves, protect our loved ones and protect our community," said Claire Dobbins, RN, MS, NE-BC, chief clinical officer.

VNA is following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Illinois Department of Public Health relating to distribution of COVID-19 vaccine and is preparing to deliver vaccination clinics for patients and the public as more vaccine is distributed throughout 2021.

VNA Health Care is the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in suburban Chicago and operates 16 clinics serving over 72,000 people a year. VNA is recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration as a Health Center Quality Leader at the Gold level and ranks in the top 10% of health centers nationwide for overall patient outcomes. Outcome measures include prenatal care, adolescent weight screening and counseling, vascular disease treatment, blood pressure control, healthy birth weights, and asthma care. VNA's combination of convenience (by appointment at this time), patient-centered technology and expert, cost-effective care delivered with respect and compassion have led to these results. VNA is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified as a Primary Care Medical Home for all sites.