Staff And Residents At BRIA of Palos Hills Receive COVID Vaccine

PALOS HILLS, IL — Residents and staff at BRIA of Palos Hills received their first round of the COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday. The BRIA health network was among the first long-term care operators in the United States to protect frontline health care workers and residents against COVID-19.

The Palos Hills rehabilitation and long term care facility was hard hit by coronavirus, with 103 cases and 18 deaths, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

“This step is an important milestone in our fight against COVID-19,” BRIA CEO Daniel Weiss said in a news release. “However, we know we must continue to be vigilant and follow the proven infection prevention protocols we put in place to prevent spread at our facilities until we collectively beat this invisible threat.”

BRIA is working closely with local, state and federal public health authorities to secure vaccinations for all residents and staff as part of the federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. BRIA selected Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. as its pharmacy partner to provide and administer the vaccine in all its facilities when it becomes available. The company is offering staff a one-time $150 bonus payment for getting vaccinated and conducting a series of information sessions for staff and residents who have questions about the safety and efficacy of the new vaccines.