Salem Medical Center now serving as a Covid-19 vaccination administration site.
SMC is also serving as a COVID-19 testing site.
SMC began administering its first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 22 to help stop the spread of the virus. Approximately 250 doses have been given to date.
“I am so proud of our staff and the work they’ve put in to ready ourselves for this important milestone in the fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Tammy Torres, CEO.
The first vaccines in Salem County were given to those directly involved in patient care beginning with Emergency Department staff and physicians, followed by ICU, medical-surgical and telemetry unit staff. All SMC employees will have the opportunity to be vaccinated as additional supplies of the vaccine are received.
Once the hospital staff is inoculated, SMC’s goal is to open its doors to vaccinating members of the community.
“Our hope is to be able to administer the vaccine to the community in accordance with CDC guidelines,” said Dr. Torres. “We’re hoping to be in a position to offer the vaccines in early 2021.”
On Dec. 1, the CDC recommended the initial phase of COVID-19 vaccines should be offered to both healthcare personnel and residents of long-term care facilities. On Dec. 20, the CDC recommended that people age 75 and older be next in line to receive the vaccine, in addition to emergency responders, teachers, and grocery store employees.
Currently, SMC — in conjunction with the Salem County Department of Health and Human Services — offers drive up COVID-19 testing six days a week — Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon.
“Together with the Salem County Department of Health and Human Services, we’re happy to bring COVID-19 testing to our campus, providing an important resource for our community,” said Dr. Torres.
Patients must have a physician’s prescription to receive a test and must call SMC Registration at 856-469-8555 to receive an appointment time. Campus signage directs traffic flow to the testing site.
“We are determined to do everything possible to protect our employees and our community from COVID-19,” said Dr. Torres. “Together, we can defeat this virus.”