All residents of long-term care facility will now get vaccine

GIG HARBOR, Wash. — At Heron’s Key senior living community in Gig Harbor, a COVID outbreak in March sickened 35 residents and staff. Three residents died.

Amy Webb is the Executive Director.

“Sadly, we did lose three residents in our outbreak.”

In contrast to a traditional nursing home, Heron’s Key is a “life-plan” facility. There are 280 residents in four different categories, all sharing the same home.

There was worry and frustration when initially, only the 40 residents who require skilled nursing were set to be vaccinated this week, KIRO-7 learned.

Another 240 residents in assisted living, memory care, and independent living were not vaccinated.

And then this week’s vaccination clinic was inexplicably canceled altogether.

“The health and wellness of our residents, our highest priority, the outbreak that we had in skilled nursing certainly opened our eyes to how important it is in a congregate living setting to get everyone protected at the same time,” said Webb.

We’re told the situation turned around after KIRO-7 asked the Department of Health about it in an email and then a question at a news conference.

“But now we are trying to make it as seamless as possible when that’s the goal of these pharmacies systems as well. Like how can we make sure everybody is vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Health Michele Roberts.

The COVID vaccine will now be offered to all the residents of Heron’s Key next week.

“I’m thrilled that the plan is now including all of the residents in these campuses that have different levels of care,” Webb said.

Cox Media Group