The Watermark at Vistawilla administers COVID-19 vaccine

The Watermark at Vistawilla, an assisted living and memory care community in Winter Springs, partnered with CVS Clinic to administer the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to residents, associates and essential caregivers on January 16. More than 50 residents – roughly 98% of the community – and 29 associates received the vaccine, which will protect against COVID-19.

“We are so fortunate that our residents were able to receive the first dose of this life saving vaccine,” said Patricia Wallace, Executive Director at The Watermark at Vistawilla. “Many of them have been waiting a long time for this and are looking forward to the protection it will bring as we enter the next phase of the pandemic.”

The Watermark at Vistawilla made the Pfizer vaccine available to its assisted living and memory care residents, as well as associates, essential caregivers and compassionate caregivers. The community will administer the second dose on February 12.

“Getting the vaccine gives us such a sense of relief,” said resident Theresa Desimo. “So many of us were worried that we wouldn’t get the vaccine, so to have it today really takes the edge off us. It was so simple, I didn’t even feel it.”

Throughout the pandemic, the community has adhered to strict safety protocols and followed best practices from federal and state authorities. Watermark’s established protocols of rigorous cleaning and disinfection processes are conducted throughout public areas in our communities including dining rooms, libraries, elevators, salons and lobbies. Safeguards include detailed procedures for housekeeping and laundry.

“The health and safety of our residents is our top priority,” said Wallace. “While administering the vaccine to our residents is a step in the right direction, we will continue to stay vigilant in keeping our community safe with social distancing, handwashing and masks as we wait on the second dose of the vaccine.”

To learn more about Watermark Retirement Communities’ response to COVID-19, visit covid19.watermarkresponse.com.

About The Watermark at Vistawilla

Located in Winter Springs, Fla., The Watermark at Vistawilla is an 87-apartment assisted living and memory care community located at 1519 E State Rd 434. Differentiators of the new community include certified associates, continuous care and hands-on educational programming. Owned and managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Watermark at Vistawilla is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. For more information, visit vistawilla.watermarkcommunities.com.

About Watermark Retirement Communities®

Watermark creates extraordinary communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute and published on Fortune.com. A privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, Watermark manages more than 60 retirement communities coast to coast. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is ranked as the nation’s 11th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.