COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Given to Clinical Colleagues at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital administered the first COVID-19 vaccine dose to Tina Shutts, RN. Photo submitted by HSHS Good Shephard Hospital.

For Immediate Release- December 16, 2020

COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Given to Clinical Colleagues at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital

SHELBYVILLE — Today, December 16, 2020, HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital administered the first COVID-19 vaccine dose to Tina Shutts, RN. All the vaccines were administered smoothly and safely.

The doses were administered to clinical colleagues providing direct patient care, all of who voluntarily consented to receive the vaccine. At this time, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is not requiring its colleagues to receive the vaccination, although they are recommending colleagues receive the vaccine when it is available to them.

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital will be following the CDC guidelines to determine during which phases their colleagues will receive the vaccine. Locally, they will continue to work closely with the Shelby County Health Department.

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital CEO Aaron Puchbauer shared, “This is an exciting time for our hospital as we are thrilled to be able to provide an additional level of protection for our colleagues who continue to provide exceptional and compassionate patient care in the midst of this pandemic.  It is the first of many steps to come, but the journey begins with one step,” he said. “We are grateful to have this a tool in our tool chest to combat this virus.”

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital still encourages people to do their part to decrease the number of COVID cases in the community. “Even though some doses of the vaccine have arrived, and more will be coming, we want to remind the community that the pandemic is not over,” Puchbauer said. “We must continue to be diligent with hand washing, social distancing, masking and staying home when we are ill. For those who need care, we are always here so we are also encouraging community members to not delay their care.”

Tina Shutts shared why she wanted to get the vaccine. “This is another way that I can make sure that I stay safe and can keep my patients safe. That is our calling.”