Aspirus begins vaccinating employees against COVID

By Patrick Lynn

Aspirus Health on Wednesday received its first allocation of COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer and has started vaccinating its employees in Michigan, according to a news release from the hospital system.

The arrival of Aspirus’ first supply of vaccines comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the vaccine for emergency use authorization last weekend.

Aspirus is following FDA and CDC guidelines to use the limited vaccine supplies to initially vaccinate health care workers, residents of long-term care facilities, and EMS personnel, the news release said.

“Our top priority has been the health and safety of our staff and communities,” said Matthew Heywood, President and CEO of Aspirus. “It is exciting that this important tool in the fight against the pandemic is now available and we eagerly await the time when vaccine supplies become more widely available in 2021 to begin offering it to our community members.”

Aspirus’ first shipment of vaccines was delivered to Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in Laurium, Mich. The system hasn’t yet heard from the Department of Health Services on when it will receive its first allocation of vaccines in Wisconsin.

But Aspirus did not receive enough doses for all its employees who wish to be vaccinated, the news release said, and it’s following CDC guidance to first vaccine employees who are at the highest risk, including those who are regularly providing care to patients with COVID-19.

Widespread vaccinations are still not expected for at least several months, according to Aspirus.

Ascension announced earlier this week it had begun vaccinating its staff, beginning in its Milwaukee locations.

On Friday, officials from Portage Co. expressed surprise over the vaccinations already occurring in Wisconsin, as the DHS has yet to provide counties with a plan for distribution.