COVID-19 Vaccine Update

A message from Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Marjorie Bessel [View email as a webpage](     COVID-19 Vaccine Update Since the COVID-19 vaccine has arrived, there’s been a lot of interest in who can receive it next and questions about its effectiveness. I’m happy to inform you that over the last couple of weeks we’ve administered tens of thousands of vaccines to frontline health care workers and some first responders. Your safety and the safety of our frontline heroes is our priority. As you know, the CDC and health departments have prioritized who can receive the vaccine first. This prioritization is important because it ensures that we are in the best possible position to save the most lives. At this time, health care workers, first responders and those at highest risk of severe illness or death due to COVID-19 are at the top of that list. The good news is the vaccine will continue to be made available to other groups. Progression through these phases varies by state and county, with some moving forward before others. We are committed to keeping you informed and being transparent throughout this entire process. Please visit the [COVID-19 vaccine page]( for the latest updates and to see when you may be eligible to receive it. [COVID-19 Vaccine]( Because there has been some buzz around the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine, I want to assure you that the COVID-19 vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna have been thoroughly vetted by a team of Banner Health physicians and pharmacists who found them to be safe and effective. To learn more about the vaccine, its effectiveness, and safety, please visit the [CDC website](. I received the first dose of the vaccine and only experienced mild side effects, so I encourage you to get it as soon as it becomes available to you. Hospitals are filling up at an alarming rate in many of our communities. Although the vaccine is here, I urge you to continue practicing safety measures such as masking and keeping your circle small until everyone is eligible to receive it. Thank you for remaining vigilant to keep yourself and those around you safe. Wishing you a safe and healthy 2021, Marjorie Bessel, MD Chief Clinical Officer Banner Health     Stay Connected Banner Health 2901 N. Central Avenue, Suite 160 Phoenix, AZ, 85012 [Your Profile]( [Unsubscribe]( [Privacy]( [-](