Staff to Receive the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

On December 22, Chicago police officers delivered the first batch of COVID-19 vaccine for health care workers at Shriners Hospitals for Children  — Chicago. Our pharmacy, nursing, occupational health and performance improvement teams helped check, prepare and administer the vaccine to our staff.

The Chicago Shriners Hospital staff cares for many children with special needs, and spine and cleft palate patients who require in-person appointments. This vaccine is an important part of our commitment to protecting our staff and providing the safest environment for our patients at the hospital.

David Ubogy, M.D., a pediatric intensivist, was asked why he chose to get the vaccine. "This is like the best Christmas present ever! Not to mention the ethical duty of any health care provider to set a good example. Also to decrease the risk to others, including our loved ones who may not be able to get immunized yet."

Kathleen Benson, D.N.P., APRN, CPNP-PC, is a pediatric nurse practitioner in orthopaedics. She was nervous and excited to receive her first dose. "I chose to get vaccinated to protect my family and friends. Not everyone has this opportunity because of health conditions. So this is for them! And the vaccine is one more step closer to normalcy."

You can see more of our staff receiving the first dose of the vaccine and read about why they chose to receive it on our Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago Facebook page.

Watch a video of Haluk Altiok, M.D., the first staff member to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.