(Stanley, WI) – Ascension Our Lady of Victory Hospital began providing COVID-19 vaccinations to frontline caregivers on Monday, December 28 Emergency Department Physician Mohammed Dodwad, MD, Registered Nurses Lacey Chapek and Alissa Broughton and Multi-Modality Technologist Cassie Martin were among the _rst associates at Ascension Our Lady of Victory to receive the vaccine.

“The availability of the vaccine is good news and I am excited to be among the _rst to receive it,” said Dr. Dodwad. “I encourage everyone to get vaccinated as

soon as the vaccine is available to them.”

The effort is part of a multi-phased program that will expand to other caregivers and locations as more doses become available and the distribution process progresses.

“We are con_dent our plan will effectively and safely contribute to the protection of the communities we are privileged

to serve,” said Gregory Brusko, DO, Chief Clinical Of_cer, Ascension Wisconsin.

Ascension Wisconsin is following guidance issued by the CDC and recommendations of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. “We are thankful for all who have made this vaccine possible and for the continued dedication of our sel_ess caregiver,” said Jonathon Matuszewski, Chief Administrative Of_cer, Ascension Our Lady of Victory Hospital. “As we await widespread distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines, it will be critical for our entire community to continue wearing masks, watching distance from others and washing hands frequently to protect ourselves and those around us.”

In accordance with these guidelines, among the

_rst group eligible to receive the vaccines are

frontline caregivers – particularly those serving in emergency departments, COVID-19 units and intensive care units. For Ascension, this includes both associates and af_liated physicians

and providers.

Vaccines from P_zer and Moderna

have demonstrated safety and effectiveness, and the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the P_zer and Moderna vaccine for emergency use. The vaccination of frontline caregivers comes after Ascension developed a workgroup to establish an overarching framework for equitable allocation of COVID-19 vaccines for internal and external distribution, acknowledging the need for a coordinated response.

“We strongly encourage all our associates to receive a COVID-19 vaccine when it is made available to them,” said Bernie Sherry, ministry

market executive, Ascension Wisconsin. “In our view, this is the right thing to do to protect our

associates and those we are privileged to serve.”

All approved vaccines require extensive research, documentation and closely monitored clinical trials to determine effectiveness and safety before being submitted by pharmaceutical companies for approval. Ascension has been involved in some of these clinical trials, with Ascension St. Vincent’s in Birmingham, Alabama, participating in trials for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna.

“It’s vitally important that people continue to access the healthcare they need, for both emergencies and chronic conditions,” said Brusko.

“By encouraging our caregivers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, we are taking an additional step to assure those we serve that we are doing everything possible to keep our hospitals, clinics, and other sites of care safe for them.”

Ascension hospitals and emergency rooms remain well prepared to safely care for people with symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, respiratory distress, emergent mental health concerns, or other serious illness or injury. Many healthcare workers and _rst responders

are receiving the earliest wave of available vaccines, as these professions are exposed to COVID-19 at higher rates. Residents of longterm care facilities and those with high-risk health conditions also are slated to receive vaccines early, per guidelines from the CDC.

When COVID-19 vaccines are available for consumers, Ascension Wisconsin sites of care will share information about the availability of the vaccines. Additional information, including FAQS, about the COVID-19 vaccine is available at https://healthcare. ascension.org/covid-19/covid-vaccine.

Ascension Our Lady of Victory Emergency Department Physician Mohammed Dodwad, MD, and Registered Nurse Allisa Broughton each receive the COVID-19 Vaccine from Director of Nursing Kim Renaud on Monday, December 28

Ascension Our Lady of Victory Registered Nurse Alissa Broughton, Multi-Modality Technologist Cassie Martin and Registered Nurse Lacey Chapek holding their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards after receiving the Vaccine.