FORT WALTON BEACH, Florida–January 9, 2021—On their day off, White-Wilson Medical Center's health care employees eagerly rolled up their sleeves for the chance to receive a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Since February, the local, physician owned medical group has been working on the frontlines of the raging global pandemic.
"In less than a year, we have offered more than 10,000 COVID-19 tests and cared for countless patients infected with the virus. We have totally restructured our clinics so that we can keep our patients and staff safe and dedicated our efforts to finding ways to serve during this time," White-Wilson CEO Alan Gieseman stated. "The last 11-months have been a challenge, but today is a day of hope. We are excited to finally begin gaining ground in this fight."
The first to receive the vaccine that morning was Dr. Vergil Brown. Dr. Brown has been a White-Wilson Internal Medicine physician for the last 22 years and his patients are generally seniors or individuals with more complex health issues.
With a medical degree and a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, Dr. Brown says that he is confident in the science behind the vaccine.
"I have studied the data on the COVID-19 outbreak and on the mechanism, safety and efficacy of the Pfizer and Moderna immunizations now available. These immunizations are safe and effective, and I am grateful today to be able to set an example to my patients and our community by receiving this vaccine and helping to protect all of us from COVID-19."
Dr. Brown added, "I encourage all persons eligible to get this vaccine as soon as possible."
Following Dr. Brown, White-Wilson Medical Center physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and support staff each rolled up their sleeves to receive their first dose. They will gather again in 21 days to receive a second dose. A week or two later their bodies will have developed the full protections offered by the vaccine.
Gieseman noted that after immunizing their patient-facing employees, they hope to soon offer vaccines to other White-Wilson employees and to their patients. As supply of the vaccine grows and state recommendations on vaccine eligibility expands, they hope to be a leader in offering the COVID-19 vaccine in the community.
White-Wilson Medical Center is the area's largest team of health care providers and offers medical care in Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Navarre and Niceville. For more information on White-Wilson Medical Center and its team of health care providers, visit white-wilson.com
