King-Bruwaert House distributes COVID-19 vaccines to residents and staff

First- and second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine were distributed mid-February to more than 320 King-Bruwaert House residents, staff and consulting specialists.

This was followed by a third vaccine clinic on March 6. Members of the Walgreens pharmacy staff were assisted by 20 KBH volunteers in overseeing inoculations for six hours at the continuing care retirement community in Burr Ridge.

All those receiving the vaccine completed advance authorization forms and were asked to wear masks and maintain social distancing while waiting for the distribution at several sites on the campus.

"During this challenging time, we are especially thankful for our professional and dedicated employees, service providers and consultants who took the vaccine to protect themselves, their families and our residents," said KBH CEO Terri Bowen. "More than 85% of our staff participated in the inoculation program - which far exceeds the national average for healthcare employees within our industry. They understand the importance of this vaccine in preventing or reducing the impact of COVID-19 strains that continue to circulate in our region and beyond."

Close to 160 residents also participated in the vaccine program. This includes those living at King-Bruwaert House and in two independent communities, The Woods of King-Bruwaert and Godair Park.

"We are encouraged by the strong response of our residents taking the vaccine," Bowen said. "Their cooperation helps us to reduce COVID-19 risks and keep our population as healthy as possible with limited exposures."

COVID-19 testing and temperature checks of staff, consultants and residents will continue indefinitely as protocols dictate. An additional inoculation session was held on March 6 for staff and residents who were not able to participate in the earlier dates. KBH strictly complies with all the requirements and recommendations established by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Testing results and regular updates are provided to IDPH and all residents, family members and staff.