Yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible—although rare—that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again. Studies have shown that vaccination provides a strong boost in protection in people who have recovered from COVID-19. Learn more about why getting vaccinated is a safer way to build protection than getting infected. 

COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. It typically takes 2 weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19. That means it is possible a person could still get COVID-19 before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to build protection. People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, or 2 weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. 

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected. 

COVID-19 is spread in three main ways: 

• Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus. 
• Having these small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze. 
• Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them. 

Congratulations to Susie Brown and her dedicated Care Team Members!

Susie Brown came to South Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation in January 2021 from another skilled nursing facility. Ms. Brown had a fall that had resulted in head trauma and experiencing

altered mental status. She had been in and out of the hospital multiple times When she came to us she was bed bound and was also experiencing altered mental status. Our therapy team worked with her and today, Ms. Brown looks like a completely different person! She is out and about socializing now and she looks amazing. Ms. Brown has become part of our family and plans to stay here long term.

Thank you Ms. Brown for allowing South Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation for being part of your care. We are so proud of you and the recovery you have made!

• If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing many things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. 
• When choosing safer activities, consider how COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the number of people participating in the activity, and the location of the activity. 
• Outdoor visits and activities are safer than indoor activities, and fully vaccinated people can participate in some indoor events safely, without much risk. 
• If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, find a vaccine. 

Congratulations to Amy Justice and her dedicated team!

Amy Justice was admitted to South Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation after a hospital stay for a lower extremity DVT, limiting her mobility. Ms. Justice has been working very hard with our therapy team and has made tremendous progress. She is even able to stand for a short period of time!

Ms. Justice said she’s pushing through the pain and working very hard because she wants to get home to spend time with her grandkids. Ms. Justice also said she really enjoys it here and enjoys the other residents. She said she loves to make them smile.

We are so proud of Ms. Justice and all of the progress she has made during her stay here. Thank you, Ms. Justice for allowing us to be part of your recovery!

In general, people are considered fully vaccinated: ^± 

• 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 
• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine 

If you don’t meet these requirements, regardless of your age, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated. 

If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions. To learn what ways to protect yourself and others click here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html 

There are several ways you can look for vaccination providers near you. 

• Visit Vaccines.gov to find vaccination providers near you. In some states, information may be limited while more vaccination providers and pharmacies are being added. Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccination Locations on Vaccines.gov. 
• Text your zip code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find vaccine locations near you. 
• Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination appointments are available. Find out which pharmacies are participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. 
• Contact your state health department to find additional vaccination locations in the area. 
• Check your local news outlets. They may have information on how to get a vaccination appointment. 

Congrats to Robert Wells and his dedicated team!

Robert (Bob) Wells was admitted to South Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation in February 2021 after an extended hospital stay. Mr. Wells was unable to stand or complete own ADLs upon admission.After working with therapy for a short period of time, he was able to accomplish his goals of being able to stand and complete transfers. Mr. Wells was able to return home with his family.

We are so proud of Mr. Well and happy that he and his family allowed us the opportunity to be part of his care.

Lenard Moore was admitted to South Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation in February 2021 after admitting to the hospital with weakness and multiple falls.

After working with therapy for a short period of time, he was able to gain his strength back and was walking up and down the halls making everyone smile. Mr. Moore was able to return home. He expressed to us how happy he was with his care here at South Shore. We are proud of Mr. Moore and wish him the best of luck at home.