Connecticut Hospice Staff Get Moderna COVID-19 Vaccinations

BRANFORD, CT —The first Connecticut Hospice staff member to receive Moderna's COVID-19 vaccination Tuesday was hospice director of pastoral care, Rev. Warren Godbolt, who under his surgical mask appears to be smiling.

Administered by nurse Amanda Schaperow, the shot was the first of many that were given to hospice staff.

"After being notified last week of its arrival, the management team devised a plan to ensure all direct patient care staff were offered the vaccine first," hospice spokesperson Mary Fitzgerald said.

"And while Connecticut Hospice, Inc., is not mandating the vaccine, the staff is excited for the hope the vaccine holds in the fight against COVID-19," she said.

Like hospice director of home care Dawn Ralston. She got the second shot.

"When COVID-19 initially hit, Connecticut Hospice was forced to severely limit the number of visitors to ensure the safety of staff and patients," she said, "Now with the vaccine available, those limitations can eventually be loosened."

"The vaccine will allow Connecticut Hospice to fulfill its mission of providing the best in end-of-life care to patients and their families safely," chief medical officer Dr. Joe Sacco said.

For more information about Connecticut Hospice, Inc., please visit www.hospice.com, or call 203-315-7600.