Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 2, 2021

12 OUR NOT THROWING AWAY When the emergency use authorizations for the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines went into effect, a team of Kootenai Health employees mobilized to create an employee vaccination clinic. Within weeks, hundreds of health care workers received their COVID-19 vaccines via a seemingly seamless process. Weeks later, Kootenai was asked to assist the Panhandle Health District with public vaccinations in Kootenai County. Thanks to a well-developed system, the team was able to roll out a public vaccine clinic for seniors in Kootenai County. Fast andefficient “When the COVID-19 vaccine was released, we were able to vaccinate a very large number of employees quickly and efficiently,” said Ann Ealy, Kootenai Health clinical director of hospital operations. “We took the best pieces of the employee vaccination model and applied those in our work to help vaccinate the community.” Together, the team of about 15 employees found solutions to challenges such as vaccine storage (having to make extra freezer accommodations for the Pfizer vaccine), arranging a space in which to give the vaccine, formalizing policies and processes, managing resources, securing staff, and more. “Participating in the community vaccination process aligns with everything we’ve been working on throughout the pandemic,” said Elizabeth Brewer, manager of clinic project management. “These vaccination efforts help reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the hospital. They are helping ensure we have the capacity to care for all patients as we move forward.” Grateful andhappy Rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine has been a communitywide effort, beginning with the Panhandle Kootenai Health staff roll up their sleeves, helping the community get a COVID-19 vaccine By Andrea Nagel