Staff Receives the COVID-19 Vaccine

Shriners Hospitals for Children — Springfield staff has begun administering the COVID-19 vaccine to hospital employees. It has received enough doses of the Moderna vaccine to vaccinate all 200+ hospital employees, although taking the vaccine is not mandatory.

Chief of Staff James F. Mooney, III, M.D., an orthopaedic spine surgeon, was the first to be vaccinated. “I wanted to show my colleagues that I believe in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine,” said Dr. Mooney. “This vaccine is an important part of our commitment to protecting our staff and providing the safest environment for our patients coming to the hospital. In the medical profession, it is our responsibility to be an example.”

When asked why she chose to get the vaccine, physical therapist Maureen Nahorniak, D.P.T, who has close contact with patients daily, said she saw “no reason not to. The science is there.”

Joseph Sopet, an orthotics and prosthetics technician, said he wanted to get the vaccine to protect his elderly mother at home. “I wasn’t too nervous but I sure am relieved that I could get it!”

Development officer Holly Martineau, who has an underlying health issue that puts her at higher risk, said, “COVID-19 would be very, very bad for me." After receiving the vaccine, she said, “I am excited I had this opportunity. I feel like I am part of change.”