Covid-19

Keeping our communities safe and healthy
is our highest priority

FDA grants priority review to Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine

Agency official says approval decision expected within two months

Pfizer and BioNTech began the application for full approval of their Covid-19 vaccine in May, and have completed the submission. The companies are seeking approval for the two-dose series for people age 16 and older, and expects to apply for approval for people ages 12 to 15 when the data are available. Dr. Peter Marks, director of FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, wrote that the review of applications for full approval of the Covid-19 vaccines is "one of the highest priorities" at the FDA, but it requires the evaluation of extensive manufacturing and clinical information.

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    The delta variant of the coronavirus appears to cause more severe illness than earlier variants and spreads as easily as chickenpox, according to an internal federal health document that argues officials must “acknowledge the war has changed.”

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      How Immunity Generated from COVID-19 Vaccines Differs from an Infection 

      The new evidence shows that protective antibodies generated in response to an mRNA vaccine will target a broader range of SARS-CoV-2 variants carrying “single letter” changes in a key portion of their spike protein compared to antibodies acquired from an infection.

      These results add to evidence that people with acquired immunity may have differing levels of protection to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. More importantly, the data provide further documentation that those who’ve had and recovered from a COVID-19 infection still stand to benefit from getting vaccinated.

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        Credit for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine belongs in part to discoveries dating back 15 years. The team behind it was inspired by two infant deaths. Click to read more.

        Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) among long list of Medical Groups Calling for Mandatory Vaccination for Healthcare Workers 

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          COVID-19 (coronavirus): Long-term effects

          Most people who have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recover completely within a few weeks. But some people — even those who had mild versions of the disease — continue to experience symptoms after their initial recovery. These people sometimes describe themselves as "long haulers" and the conditions have been called post-COVID-19 syndrome or "long COVID-19." These health issues are sometimes called post-COVID-19 conditions. They're generally considered to be effects of COVID-19 that persist for more than four weeks after you've been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus.

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            Resources and Articles

              Joint Statement in Support of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates for All Workers in Health Care

              Posted on: Jul 28, 2021

              Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)...

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              A dangerous new variant is on the rise in the US — but vaccines appear to provide good protection

              Posted on: Jun 30, 2021

              *This article originally posted on CNN.com...

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              New Metric Identifies Coronavirus Hotspots in Real Time

              Posted on: Jun 30, 2021

              During the pandemic, it’s been critical to track in real time where the...

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              COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Safe, Effective for Pregnant Women Studies Confirm

              Posted on: Jun 02, 2021

              Posted on June 1st, 2021 by Dr. Francis CollinsClinical trials have shown...

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              RESIDENT/FAMILY FAQS:

              How are you protecting my loved one?
              All Christian Horizons residents and associates are asked to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19 by:

              • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
              • Practicing social distancing and avoiding close contact
              • Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throwing the tissue in the trash
              • Avoiding touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth)
              • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
              • Staying home if you are sick

              Should families who are worried move their loved ones out of skilled nursing centers or assisted living communities?
              No. Moving the elderly or frail is risky and often has long-lasting impacts. Research around natural disasters and other emergency events have proven this over time. The CDC does not currently recommend transferring residents either home or to the hospital.

              How can families communicate with their loved one at your communities?
              Contact your local community for information on visitation policies.

              How concerned are you for skilled nursing center or assisted living residents?
              We know that the frail and elderly are especially susceptible to this virus. That’s why we are in close communication with our local health departments, CDC and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure we have the latest information and resources available and have implemented all measures to detect, respond and contain the virus.

              How will you communicate with me if my loved one is diagnosed with COVID-19?
              We will follow our processes for change-of condition communication directly to the identified family member or the person with power of attorney in the resident’s health record. We will also notify the local public health department per regulation.

              What if a confirmed case were to occur at a CH community?
              We are prepared to report and manage the virus in our community following all recommendations and guidelines of the CDC, local and state health authorities to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps to detect, respond, and contain the virus minimizing exposure. To contain the virus and prevent spread in our communities, we have a dedicated units for impacted or suspected COVID-19 residents. Our plan includes: 

              • Physical plant modifications with a dedicated entrance and exit
              • Medical supplies, equipment and PPE
              • Restrooms and break areas for associates
              • Extensive cleaning and sanitizing protocols and room safety checks
              • Dedicated staffing plan with assigned team leader and associates
              • Advanced COVID-19 clinical treatment protocols and communication training
              • Enhanced infection control protocols

              Where can I find trusted CH COVID-19 Information?
              An information line to address concerns and provide updates regarding COVID-19 has been established for each Christian Horizons community. Email us at informationline@chliving.org or visit ChristianHorizonsLiving.org regularly for the latest updates, information and useful links. Additionally, we are using a new automated messaging service to deliver our daily community COVID-19 report to priority contacts in compliance with CMS and state Department of Health guidelines. Those without texting capability will receive the report by phone or email. To ensure you get community information alerts, make sure we have the most up-to-date contact information and preferences.