The Culpeper Urges Its Community Members to Get Vaccinated
Vaccination rates amongst independent living residents at The Culpeper are at 94% or above, while the rates amongst licensed areas are at 85% or higher. These numbers have lagged a bit for team members. Until the community reaches 100% vaccination for all team members and residents, The Culpeper’s leadership team will continue to provide resources, education and support to our community members as they determine if vaccination is right for them.
“This is a safe vaccine that has been tested in the same way that we have tested all vaccines. It is strictly something that is good for your health and the health of the entire nation,” said The Culpeper’s Medical Director Dr. Amauri Gonzalez. “Just remember, this is not just about your own health. It’s the health of the community and that includes your family and any community member who may be at risk.”
The Virginia Department of Health’s Nurse Advisor LaWanda Dunn said the vaccine works by teaching the immune system what to do in response to a COVID infection.
“You do not catch COVID-19 from getting the vaccination. The first injection, if you get a two-dose series, is your body figuring out what to do. Then, with the second dose, your body is like, ‘Okay, we know what to do. We’re going to respond,” Dunn said.
Culpeper resident Hermine Thomas is one of the thousands who lost a loved one to COVID.
“My husband got the virus and that was part of the cause of his death. For that reason, I support the vaccine,” she said.
Jane Weeden agrees. She said getting the vaccine is about the group.
“Whether your a staff member, resident, patient: we’re all one team together. We have to work together against this virus,” she said.
Culpeper team member Alexis Fountain said as a front-line team member, it was her duty to get the vaccine.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we heard the most impacted areas have been long-term care facilities. I felt that with being a front-line worker that I was more exposed, more at risk for coming into contact with COVID and not only bringing it home to my loved ones but potentially being someone that could bring it here. I didn’t want to be responsible for that,” she said.