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Denise Watson was the first to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at Ascension Seton Highland Lakes on Dec. 22 at the hospital. The vaccine went to frontline healthcare workers before distribution to the public. Contributed/ASHL
Joining hundreds of local healthcare workers, personnel at the Burnet hospital and the Burnet County Health Authority received their COVID-19 inoculations Dec. 22 during the second week of the vaccine rollout to help reduce the spread.
Ascension Seton Highland Lakes administered the Moderna vaccines to frontline caregivers who come into contact with the most vulnerable and at-risk for contracting the coronavirus.
The local hospital in Burnet and the Marble Falls clinic received doses the same day they began doling them out to staff members.
“We are encouraging our own associates to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to help ensure the continued safety and well-being of them, their families and all those we are privileged to serve, and for the general public to do so once it becomes available,” said Hospital Administrator and Chief Nursing Officer Karen Litterer, in a statement.
“We are taking extra steps to ensure these frontline staff have access to the vaccine, and we are working to eliminate social and economic barriers to ensure that they can receive the vaccine as a prioritized group,” she continued. “Vaccination is one of the most effective strategies to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19.”
Burnet County Health Authority Dr. Juliette Madrigal was also among recipients of the vaccine.
As part of a tiered distribution process, the Moderna vaccine will go to rural hospitals and clinics, free-standing emergency rooms, EMS providers, pharmacies and health departments.
Key public healthcare facility personnel including nursing home staff are scheduled to start receiving inoculations this week.
Officials also stated that health care officials “implemented a comprehensive vaccine administration plan that is consistent with federal and state guidance.”
During the week of Dec. 7, facilities in larger cities first received batches of the vaccine, primarily from Pfizer company which requires specialized cold storage procedures. Officials said doses for the public at-large may begin to start in the next couple of months.
