One Year After Louisiana’s First COVID-19 Vaccines, Ochsner Shares Reflections, Milestones and Looks Toward the Future

NEW ORLEANS – One year after administering Louisiana’s first COVID-19 vaccines to healthcare workers who had been fighting the virus since its onset, Ochsner Health shares vaccine milestones and reflections from healthcare heroes who were among the first in the country to receive the lifesaving vaccine. In one year, Ochsner administered nearly 650,000 vaccine doses and hosted 1,343 community vaccination events.

Since December 14, 2020, Ochsner has:

• Administered 643,486 vaccine doses to eligible patients
• Fully vaccinated 290,195 individuals
• Provided additional protection through the administration of 70,435 booster doses
• Vaccinated 7,509 children under the age of 12
• Hosted 1,343 vaccination events across Louisiana and Mississippi

Ochsner Health was the first healthcare facility in the state and one of the first in the U.S. to begin COVID-19 vaccination efforts. 242 healthcare workers received their first Pfizer vaccine on Dec. 14 and 6,710 doses were administered at Ochsner facilities that week. Below are reflections from some of these healthcare heroes about how the vaccine impacted their lives. You can find photos of them here.

Debbie Ford, Chief Nursing Officer at Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans and the first vaccine recipient in Louisiana:

“Receiving my COVID-19 vaccine alongside my colleagues was a moment that I will always remember. Vaccines deliver protection and they also delivered hope to those of us fighting the pandemic. The vaccine allowed me to visit my grandchildren, go to Saints games and meet with other nursing leaders from across the country. Our fight isn’t over but with a safe and effective vaccine and booster shots, we remain optimistic and hopeful for a healthy and safe future for all.”

Mia Yepez, RN, ICU Supervisor at Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans:

“I am a first-time grandmother, and it feels great to hold my little man in my arms. New Year’s is going to be the hardest for me, as it’s the time of year I reflect upon the most. This year was unlike any other in my 47 years. I lived with constant fear that myself or one of my loved ones would end up on my unit dying from COVID-19, but now there is hope. I would tell myself a year ago that I’m proud of you, you can do this, and everything is going to be alright.

Steven Lee, PharmD, BCPS, Critical Care Pharmacy Specialist, Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans:

“This past year has definitely had its ups and downs. Since being vaccinated, I’ve felt much safer going to work, then coming home even amid the additional COVID-19 waves we’ve experienced this past year. At home, my wife and I celebrated the birth of our first child this year!”

Rachelle Simpson, RN, Performance Improvement, Ochsner Health:

“At home, while my immediate family members are all vaccinated and have their booster, we still take precautions for the holidays as my parents are elderly. Protecting them is my main goal, so we do not let our guard down. I am grateful for my health and that of my family. I am blessed to not have lost anyone to this deadly virus. Regarding work, I am somewhat sad and amazed. Sad for those that have struggled to persevere. I am one who runs to fire. But amazed by what our teams have accomplished at a time of such challenge.”

Louisiana has lost 14,884 lives to COVID-19. As the highly contagious Omicron variant continues to spread locally and globally, it is recommended that every eligible community member get vaccinated. Booster shots are now approved for ages 16 and older and are strongly recommended. To make an appointment or learn more, please visit ochsner.org/vaccine.

For photos and b-roll to accompany this release, please visit https://ochsner.imagerelay.com/sb/03a6e2e1-1110-4ddf-94fd-2f2dd823c647/ochsner-1-year-since-healthcare-workers-received-covid-19-vax.

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About Ochsner Health

Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Ochsner Health is a not-for-profit committed to giving back to the communities it serves through preventative screenings, health and wellness resources and partnerships with innovative organizations that share our vision. Ochsner Health healed more than 900,000 people from across the globe in 2020, providing the latest medical breakthroughs and therapies, including digital medicine for chronic conditions and telehealth specialty services. Ochsner Health is a national leader, named both the top hospital and the top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. As Louisiana’s leading healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. Ochsner Health is innovating healthcare by investing in new technologies and research to make world-class care more accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner's team of more than 32,000 employees and 4,500 providers are working to reinvent the future of health and wellness in the region. To learn more about Ochsner Health, please visit www.ochsner.org.