PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Largo Medical Center caregivers have started receiving Covid-19 vaccinations.

The hospital received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and began vaccinating caregivers deemed highest risk on Christmas Eve.  

The Moderna vaccine received the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization Dec. 18 and is the second vaccine to receive this approval.

Adam Rudd, CEO of Largo Medical Center keeping staff and patients safe has been equally important.

“The safety of our caregivers has remained first and foremost throughout this pandemic,” Rudd said. “And we are excited that we are now able to provide COVID-19 vaccines to our frontline caregivers.  

“Their persistence and dedication to our patients over the past ten months is incredible and I wish to thank each and every one of them.”

The vaccine is being distributed to caregivers based on a tier structure of COVID-19 exposure risk and is optional for all caregivers.  As additional supplies of the vaccine are received, the process will continue until all caregivers who want the vaccine receive it.

The Moderna vaccine can be stored in standard hospital refrigeration systems and so it can be shipped directly to hospitals.  

Like the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, it also requires two doses to provide the best protection against COVID-19.  

Vaccines at Blake Medical Center in Manatee County

Blake Medical Center began vaccinating caregivers this morning at the hospital. Blake received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine yesterday. The Moderna vaccine received the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) emergency use authorization (EUA) on Friday, December 18, and is the second vaccine to receive this approval.    

“We are extremely excited & pleased to provide over 120 vaccinations to front line caregivers just this morning.” said Kimberly Hatchel, Chief Nursing Officer for Blake Medical Center. “The response from our caregivers has been phenomenal. We’ve had tears of joy, expressions of deep appreciation, and a lot of positive comments.”

The vaccine is being distributed to caregivers based on a tiering structure of COVID-19 exposure risk and is optional for all caregivers. As additional supplies of the vaccine are received, the tiering process will continue until all caregivers who want the vaccine receive it.

The Moderna vaccine can be stored in standard hospital refrigeration systems and so it can be shipped directly to hospitals. Like the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, it also requires two doses to provide the best protection against COVID-19.