D.C. alters vaccine website in response to demand as residents scramble to find doses
Jenna Portnoy, Julie Zauzmer and Rachel Chason, The Washington Post
Jan. 27, 2021
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Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam talks with Claire Brasler, 47, a school nurse from Henrico County helping to administer the coronavirus vaccine, at the Richmond Raceway on Jan. 21.Washington Post photo by Gregory S. Schneider.
WASHINGTON - The District and other local governments in the Washington region tweaked their plans Wednesday to vaccinate seniors, people with high-risk conditions, teachers and other essential workers as residents scramble to find scarce doses of the vaccine.
In response to complaints from frustrated seniors and D.C. lawmakers, the city announced technical changes to its online process for scheduling vaccine appointments.
Many D.C.-area nursing home workers are declining vaccines
Rachel Chason, Rebecca Tan, Jenna Portnoy and Erin Cox, The Washington Post
Jan. 27, 2021
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WASHINGTON - A large percentage of nursing home workers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia have declined to take the coronavirus vaccine, officials say, presenting a major challenge in the region s plans to protect its most vulnerable residents.
Nursing home workers were first offered the vaccine in late December and early January, along with residents of long-term care facilities and other health-care workers. Their wariness, providers and union representatives say, is fueled by online misinformation about the vaccine and historical mistrust of the medical system of which they are a part.
ELKTON â Folks were rolling up their sleeves â or trying to â in order to get vaccinated against COVID-19 Wednesday.
âItâs hard sometimes,â said Tiffany Hodgdon, director of nursing at Elkton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. With the winter weather and people wearing long sleeves or layers Hodgdon said some of her patients had to practically undress so she could swab an arm with alcohol and administer the Moderna vaccine.
But no one was complaining. In fact, it was a party at the facility on Price Drive, with prizes offered to staff after receiving the coveted vaccine.
âToday is an important and giant step toward normalcy,â said Joe DeMattus, president and CEO of the Health Facilities Association of Maryland. âThe first step in getting families back together is the vaccine.â
Why is Maryland s COVID-19 vaccination rollout so slow? Some cite lack of central planning baltimoresun.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from baltimoresun.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.