Life Care Center of Tullahoma on Monday started the process of vaccinating their residents and associates with FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines.

Distribution of the vaccines continues in Tennessee. They will be administered to Life Care associates and residents by Life Care’s pharmacy partner CVS. Injection-certified pharmacists from CVS will administer the vaccines, like getting a flu shot at your local CVS. Life Care Center of Tullahoma is one of 19 Life Care facilities in Tennessee.

“I think everyone in the skilled nursing industry is thankful that a vaccine is available and being administered, and we are thrilled that vaccinations are underway at our facility” said Gary Cochran, executive director of Life Care Center of Athens. “It’s an understatement to say this has been a difficult year, but the vaccine offers hope as we move forward.”

The current FDA-authorized vaccines require two doses, and it is imperative that both doses are administered in accordance with timelines provided by the manufacturer. The vaccine is free to residents and associates, but the decision to take the vaccine will be an individual one, officials said.

“We are encouraging all residents and associates to take advantage of the FDA-authorized vaccines, but we are not requiring it,” said Cochran. “We believe it is vital that each individual resident and/or their legal representative make informed decisions about the healthcare the resident receives, and we encourage them to consult with their primary physician for guidance.”

Mr. Cochran emphasized that the availability of a vaccine is not the end of the fight against COVID-19, which has attacked the most vulnerable members of society across the country for the past 10 months. Life Care facilities will maintain stringent safety measures and will continue to follow all guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and state and local public health agencies.

“Our associates at Life Care will enter the new year as diligent as ever to protect our residents and associates,” said Mr. Cochran. “The safety measures we have put in place, combined with the vaccine, will allow our facilities to continue to provide a high level of service in a safe environment that provides peace of mind to our residents and their families.”