The Vaccine Is Here, and We See a Light at the End of the Tunnel

The FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization of COVID-19 vaccines is a remarkable and important step toward the end of this devastating pandemic. We will get to that point fastest if most Americans get vaccinated. The next few months will be harder than most of us can imagine, but there really is light ahead.

 Every one of CommonSpirit Health’s 150,000 employees and clinicians at 139 hospitals across 21 states have been eagerly waiting for this day. Following guidelines established by federal authorities, our nurses, physicians and other staff members who directly care for COVID-19 patients will be among the first to receive vaccinations so that they can continue taking care of patients. The most vulnerable members of our communities also will be given a high priority.

 Our clinical leaders have great confidence in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and believe that all of us can feel safe getting these lifesaving inoculations. Some of our healthcare professionals volunteered to accept the vaccine themselves as part of clinical trials. They are not asking you to do anything they would not do for themselves or their own families.

 I will get in line as soon as I am eligible for these important immunizations. I hope you will do the same.

 It’s important to remember that only a combination of vaccinations and the public health measures we have talked about for months -- face coverings, social distancing, avoiding gatherings and diligent hand washing -- will get us to the pandemic finish line.

 This is the time for Americans to come together, mask up, get vaccinated, and look forward to a healthier time ahead. 

Updated to include second vaccine.