More than 150 residents, staff vaccinated for COVID-19 during Regency at Hualalai clinic

More than 100 residents and nearly 50 staff members of the Regency at Hualalai were vaccinated on Sunday.

CVS Pharmacy administered the first dose of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to 114 residents and 49 team members, said Executive Director Stephen Hicks. Director of Nursing Rebecca Brewer organized the clinic for the 123-unit facility located in Kailua-Kona.

“Twenty-four hours later and we have not had one adverse reaction,” Hicks said, noting the only lingering symptom reported was some minor shoulder pain.

He added residents “were in good spirits and excited that we are moving closer to the end and control of this pandemic.”

All but four residents were inoculated, with one person remaining undecided on getting the vaccine. More than a dozen staff members also did not receive the vaccine, he said.

Those vaccinated Sunday will get their second dose of the vaccine administered in February, at which time persons who may have changed their mind on being vaccinated can get their first dose. A third clinic will be held in March, if needed.

Hicks said, to date, Regency Pacific Management has administered more than 1,500 vaccinations across its facilities in Hawaii and on the mainland. There have been no reports of “adverse reactions.”

“We’ve been one of the very fortunate assisting living facilities on the island that hasn’t had a case yet. Some of it has been our practices, but it’s combination of what you do and a bit of luck along with it too — I know that for sure,” he added.