LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center officials announced Tuesday they expect to receive delivery of the Phizer/Biontech coronavirus vaccine Wednesday morning.
Steven Merta, chief medical officer at Sunrise, said staff members spent Tuesday preparing and conducting dry-runs in their new vaccine clinic exclusively for the frontline healthcare workers designated to be the first to receive the vaccination.
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He said the hospital has conducted a survey of employees, and he expects 60% to 80% of their roughly 4,000 staff members to take the vaccine early.
"Preparations are in high gear to vaccinate our frontline healthcare workers with that COVID-19 vaccine," he said.
"Together we have fought the pandemic and now it's time to take the next step. Administer that vaccine so we can finally put an end to this virus."
The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System said they will begin vaccination of staff at their healthcare center in the northern part of the valley as well.
The VA said it would begin in a "limited supply" phase, and eventually move into a more general vaccination program.
“Ultimately, the department’s goal is to offer the vaccine to all veterans receiving care at VA,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.
“As increased vaccine supply is obtained," Wilkie explained, "VA plans to distribute these vaccines at additional facilities to provide the vaccine to more Veterans and employees.”
The VA said they would release information about their vaccination efforts publicly similar to the way they release coronavirus testing data now.
