Sonova USA HQ hosts vaccination clinic for manufacturing workers
From April 6-7, Sonova USA's new headquarters in Aurora, Ill., was transformed from a typical office environment for its Phonak and Unitron hearing aid brands into a mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic, specifically designated by the state of Illinois for employees in manufacturing roles.
The two-day vaccination event was made possible through close collaboration between Sonova and numerous government agencies with the shared goal of increasing access to vaccines for manufacturing workers in Northern Illinois.
By the end of the second day, 866 total vaccines were administered, including 227 manufacturing and production employees that work at Sonova's Aurora Operations Distribution Center, the largest hearing aid manufacturing facility in the U.S.
In addition to the 10 health care workers on-hand to help administer the vaccine, about 15 Sonova volunteers helped direct and manage traffic flow.
"We're extremely proud to have hosted this mass vaccination event for manufacturing workers at our new U.S. headquarters in Aurora, IL," said Sandy Brandmeier, president of Sonova USA. "There are so many manufacturing employees in the Northern Illinois area whose jobs are critical to ensuring products are delivered on time. It's our hope that those vaccinated will now have an increased sense of safety in their working environments by knowing they are protected against COVID-19."
According to Chris Auty, senior director of Strategic Initiatives & Transformational Leadership at Sonova, construction of the company's new employee bistro was delayed to prioritize the community vaccination program.
"This wasn't just about us," Auty said. "This was about helping our neighbors while being the best global citizens we can. We are very grateful to the City of Aurora, Valley Industrial Association, FEMA, IDPH, Center for Domestic Preparedness, and the State of Illinois for their partnership and collaboration in making this event a success."
The second dose of the vaccine will be administered on April 27 at Sonova USA's facility to all manufacturing workers who received their first dose.