Valley nursing homes not mandating COVID-19 vaccines for patients, workers

Mahoning Valley - Nursing home patients and workers are eagerly awaiting the COVID-19 vaccine to come to the Valley next week.
"There's finally a light at the end of the tunnel that might be coming near," said Dan Rowland, Director of Marketing, Windsor House.
"Knowing that you have that added immunity if you choose to get it is going to give patients a lot of peace of mind," said Danielle Procopio, Director of Marketing, Shepherd of the Valley.
Local nursing homes are not mandating the vaccine but will host vaccine clinics that come in phases. First, for all patients and staff that decide they want the vaccine. Secondly, the clinics will return in 21 days to give second doses and first doses to those deciding they want to take it.
"Those that are hesitant to begin, once they see the first round go through without any problems, I think we'll see much more of a response during the second clinic," said Brad Cunningham, Director of Nursing, The Woodlands at Austintown.
Patients who can't decide for themselves if they will take the vaccine leaves the decision up to family or caregivers. It's very rare residents don't have someone to make a choice for them.
"All of our residents have that type of responsible party whether its a loved one, a neighbor or a guardian that's been appointed by the courts," Procopio said.
Local nursing homes say this vaccine comes not a moment too soon and say this will be the start of ending this virus that's drastically affected the older population.
"There is hope," Rowland said. "There's opportunity for us to get on the other side of this and pull through."