Mercy frontline staff who have been at the bedside, caring for patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, are among the first in Fort Smith to get the vaccine to fight the virus.
Candy Lindsey, MD, ER and trauma director for Mercy’s critical access hospitals in Booneville, Ozark, Paris, and Waldron, was the first to receive the vaccination at Mercy Fort Smith on Tuesday afternoon of last week.
“The reason I wanted to get this vaccine quickly is because I want to help others feel comfortable, knowing that this is safe, and that those of us in health care support it. We want to do what’s best for our community as well as fellow co-workers, so here I am today, ready,” Lindsey said.
The Pfizer vaccine arrived at Mercy Hospital Fort Smith around 9:40 a.m. Tuesday. It was quickly moved into the ultra-cold freezer set aside for its storage. From there, pharmacy staff began the process of thawing the vaccine in a designated refrigerator.
Plans are not in place yet for public vaccinations. When those supplies arrive, Mercy will work with its healthcare partners, including local health departments, to inform the public and distribute the vaccine.