ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2020) — The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay, an independent, assisted living and memory care community in St. Petersburg, partnered with CVS Clinic to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to residents, associates and essential caregivers January 11 -13.
More than 97% of assisted living and memory care residents and 50% of independent living residents received the vaccine, which will protect them against the deadly COVID-19 virus. The remaining independent living residents will have the opportunity to receive the vaccine in February.
“We are so fortunate that our community residents are among the first seniors in the area to receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Suzanne Burtzlaff, Executive Director at The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. “Throughout the pandemic, our community has adhered to strict safety protocols and followed best practices from federal and state authorities to protect our residents. The vaccine rollout is the latest layer of protection that we are offering our residents, and we are so thrilled that it is here.”
The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay made the Pfizer vaccine available to its independent, assisted living and memory care residents, as well as associates, essential caregivers and compassionate caregivers. The community will administer the second dose to residents on February 1 and associates and caregivers on February 2 – 3.
“This vaccine means so much to me and my family – many of whom are serving on the front lines of the pandemic as nurses, police officers and paramedics,” said resident Christine Joyal. “The protection it brings will allow us to welcome each other with open arms, instead of fear and hesitation, and meet together in an enriching and meaningful way.”
CVS Clinic administered the vaccine to Fountains’ residents in the safety of their apartment, which Joyal says brought an added comfort during the uncertainty of the pandemic. After the second dose is administers, she looks forward to meeting her newest grandchildren.
Throughout the pandemic, The Fountains has adhered to strict safety protocols and followed best practices from federal and state authorities. The community’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 Burtzlaff. “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 Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay
The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay is a retirement community in St. Petersburg located at 1255 Pasadena Avenue South on a 14-acre waterfront property. The community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care, with short and long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation at The Springs, an on-site health center operated by Summit Care. The Fountains’ vibrant lifestyle includes multiple dining options, an extensive calendar of events, outings, classes, clubs and fitness opportunities. Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. For more information, visit bocaciegabay.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.