SMH prepares for COVID-19 Vaccine by Christmas

The rate of transmission of COVID-19 in Wyoming has dropped from 1.22 to .88, according to Sheridan Memorial Hospital CEO Mike McCafferty.

Currently SMH is caring for nine patients infected with COVID-19 with two of those patients in the Intensive Care Unit. 

The hospital has been preparing for the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine by following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention processes. According to Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Addlesperger Sheridan may receive a vaccine before Christmas. 

In a press release dated Nov. 30, Moderna, announced the results of their trial that involved 30,000 people for its vaccine. According to the release only 11 people who received two doses of the vaccine developed COVID-19 symptoms after being infected with coronavirus, compared to 185 symptomatic cases in a placebo group. That is an efficacy of 94.1%, according to the biotechnology company.

SMH has ordered a medical storage freezer that will reach temperatures cold enough to store the Pfzier vaccine, but due to a nationwide demand of the freezer, SMH has been placed on a waiting list. Addlesperger said Gillette will be the distribution center for the Pfzier vaccine. 

According to Addlesperger, SMH will follow a prioritization schedule released by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice, recommendation of vaccine priority will be given to front line healthcare providers and long-term healthcare workers and patients.

According to Addlesperger, sometime after the Christmas season Sheridan County Public Health will be working to get vaccines to other healthcare providers as well as long term care facilities within the community. 

SMH leadership feel it is critical that vaccines are administered to as many Sheridan residents as possible.