Altercare Begins COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
Skilled Nursing Care Centers Partner with Absolute Pharmacy to Vaccinate Long-term Care Residents and Employees
North Canton, Ohio, December 14, 2020 – Altercare Integrated Health Services, in partnership with Absolute Pharmacy, will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations to its long-term care residents and staff on Monday, December 21, 2020.
Upon availability, Absolute Pharmacy will supply and administer the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine via onsite clinics at select Altercare centers throughout Ohio as part of the nationwide, phase 1 COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to offer the Pfizer vaccine to our residents and hard- working staff. The vaccine, with results reflecting an effectiveness of up to 95 percent, will provide welcomed protection to our vulnerable communities and their care-giving teams,” says Deanna Hatfield, Chief Nursing Officer, Altercare.
The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses, administered 21 days apart. This particular vaccine requires extreme cold storage, and has a short stability timeframe once prepared for administration. Absolute Pharmacy, in partnership with local resources, is equipped to meet the storage needs of the vaccine.
“The coordinated leadership and longstanding relationship between Absolute and Altercare supports our ability to bring the vaccine to the residents and staff of Altercare as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Kevin Fearon, Chief Operating Officer, Absolute Pharmacy.
To ensure all qualifying individuals have an opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Absolute Pharmacy will schedule and coordinate three onsite clinic dates at each center in collaboration with clinical management teams. Pfizer indicates that full antibody levels are achieved ten days after the second dose. “We are thrilled that decision makers have made patients and staff of skilled nursing and assisted living centers the first to receive the vaccine. These individuals are absolutely deserving of this prioritization. We are committed to making good on this opportunity and will work diligently to vaccinate as many residents and staff as quickly as possible. The vaccine will allow our centers to identify as among the safest places to work and live during this public health emergency,” said Greg Colaner, president of Altercare Integrated Health Services.
Both Altercare and Absolute Pharmacy are part of The Schroer Group, a family-owned outcome based company in North Canton.
About Altercare Integrated Health Services
Altercare Integrated Health Services is dedicated to caring for people. Whether you need rehabilitation services, post-acute medical care, assisted living or care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, we are a quality-focused resource that will meet your needs. Organizations that monitor quality and hold care centers accountable continually recognize Altercare for its commitment, achievement and excellence in quality care. As a family-owned company with locations throughout Ohio and one in Michigan, our experience, resources and compassionate professionals make us the preferred service provider in all the communities we serve.
About Absolute Pharmacy
Absolute Pharmacy is the largest independent pharmacy in the state of Ohio. This long-term care pharmacy was established in 1994 and has provided outstanding regional service ever since. An outstanding work culture and use of top-of-the-line automation has made Absolute Pharmacy a first-class provider.
