XENIA — Elmcroft Senior Living of Xenia held a vaccination clinic for its residents and associates Feb. 12.
At the clinic, all participants received either the first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. For those who missed the clinic, another vaccination event will take place on Friday, March 5. The clinics are held in conjunction with pharmacies that are approved to administer the vaccine by the state. Greene County Public Health set up Friday’s clinic.
Elmcroft Senior Living Executive Director Malorie Woosley said that close to 95 percent of Elmcroft’s residents were participating in the clinic. The company had a goal of staff participation at a level of 75 percent or more.
“We are working to get there,” Woosley said.
Elmcroft Senior Living Sales Director Olti Pepa had a very enthusiastic and hopeful outlook.
“I am taking my vaccination for the residents,” Pepa said. “If there are any complications and/or if it went smooth, I want to be able to tell people that.”
According to Pepa, residents and staff members were excited leading up to the day.
“It’s a glimpse of hope,” Pepa said, adding that the vaccination clinic meant a lot to him.
“To me, it’s groundbreaking,” he said. “People have been in the shadows since the pandemic started Pepa said. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting bigger. Even though a vaccination is available, we still need to follow all safety precautions.”
Pepa said until the public health department tells the Elmcroft staff otherwise, the company will continue to take all safety precautions in regard to the pandemic. Those precautions include taking temperatures, limiting the amount of exposure, wearing masks, and wearing gloves.
After a period of time where visitors were not allowed into its facility, Elmcroft now allows visitors to return.
Visits with residents are by appointment only in a designated area. No physical contact is allowed and social distancing of six feet is required. Everyone must wear a mask and eye protection.
