Coronavirus vaccine the answer to nuns' prayers in Hempfield

There have been lots of prayers for relief from the coronavirus pandemic coming from the nuns at Caritas Christi in Hempfield.

“I’ve been praying every night and every morning,” said Sister Mary Agnes Kirsch, 85.

A bit of hope came to the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill on Wednesday in the form of a vaccine. The immunization of about 190 residents and staff members was conducted by Giant Eagle in the first couple weeks of its vaccination efforts in Western Pennsylvania.

Giant Eagle is working with long-term care centers and other facilities that don’t have an association with a hospital, said Vic Vercammen, risk and chief compliance officer and chief pandemic officer. The Moderna vaccines administered by pharmacist Kelly Chappell on Wednesday came from the state Department of Health, he said.

“We’re certainly excited to be part of this critical early phase,” Vercammen said.

The vaccine became available to nursing facilities in Pennsylvania in late December. Since then, more than half of the state’s nursing homes have gotten at least the first dose of the vaccine from CVS and Walgreens pharmacists through the federal government’s Operation Warp Speed, according to the state.

Caritas Christi has a longstanding relationship with Giant Eagle, which led to Wednesday’s immunizations, said Sister Barbara Einloth, provincial councilor. There were 11 residents, none of whom were hospitalized, and a few staff members who contracted the virus in December at the facility that provides nursing and assisted living care.

“We are very grateful that Giant Eagle has made this possible for us and early in this vaccination period,” she said. “We have sisters who are in their 90s.”

Kirsch and Sister Mary Michael Burns tested positive for the virus in December. The women got their first dose of the vaccine Wednesday and agreed they didn’t hesitate when offered the opportunity.

“I think it’s needed,” said Burns, 90.

“I was happy that we were getting it,” Kirsch said. “What I went through, I wouldn’t want anybody else to do it.”

Vercammen said Giant Eagle plans to have vaccinations available for the general public, depending upon supply, when the state’s immunization plan allows for that to happen. Pennsylvania is in the first of four phases in which vaccines are prioritized for health care workers and nursing facilities.

Kirsch and Burns have recovered from the virus. Kirsch said she’s looking forward to a time when the pandemic is over.

“I’m just hoping that they can get everyone vaccinated, everyone can get it and it’ll calm down,” she said. “I just wish that people would obey the rules.”