Nearly 99% of Applewood Residents are Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19
As of February 18, 2021, two weeks have passed since residents received their second Moderna vaccine
Our community has achieved a milestone that a year ago was only a dream—
Applewood residents received their second Moderna vaccine on or before February 4, 2021; now, more than two weeks later, they are as protected as possible against contracting the virus.
The New York Times, which monitors each state’s vaccination rate, reported Feb. 24 that only 6.8% of New Jersey residents had received both vaccines.
CentraState Medical Center, with whom Applewood has been affiliated since 1990, provided the vaccines for any resident and staff member who chose to be vaccinated.
“Our longtime affiliation with CentraState has once again proved to be instrumental in helping us keep our residents safe,” says Keith Grady, executive director.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), clinical trials of the FDA-approved Moderna vaccine are 94.1% effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness in people who receive both doses.
COVID-19 full vaccination statistics – Completed Moderna doses 1 and 2
Resident Participation Rate
Independent Living — 97%
Assisted Living — 100%
Skilled Nursing — 97%
Memory Care — 100%
Overall Rate 98.5%
Applewood resident recaps the past year during Covid-19
In 2017, Matawan native Bert Stillman moved back to New Jersey after living 20 years in south Florida to be closer to his son living in Monmouth County and his daughter residing in Maryland. He quickly acclimated to life at Applewood, made friends and played in a regular poker game 3-4 nights a week in the card room.
He also enjoyed the day trips, particularly to New York’s cultural sites. “What’s better than having a private coach drive you up to the entrance of the Metropolitan Opera House, a Broadway show or one of the museums?” he noted.
As a single gentleman, Bert also enjoyed socializing with a variety of people for dinner every day.
“I enjoy getting out for a restaurant-style meal every day and catching up with everyone.”
But the onset of the pandemic in early March 2020 required the community to focus on protecting every resident from an unknown virus that was particularly virulent for older people. For most of the year, there was no formal vaccine to protect vulnerable people, other than social distancing, masking and continuous sanitization of surfaces.
During most of 2020, Bert has seen his family only from his second-floor balcony, chatting with his children gathered below.
“Like everyone else in the world, it’s been hard to be separated from those you love the most,” Bert explains. “I understand it, of course, but it’s still hard.
Now that his two-week waiting period after the second Covid vaccination has passed, Bert looks forward to welcoming his family back to his apartment at Applewood.
Looking forward to brighter days after second Covid-19 vaccine
“My son is very careful about exposing me to public spaces, but at least this way we can be together. Now that my vaccine is in full effect, I look forward to more freedom to do many more things.”
Bert says he misses his card group and looks forward to returning to Atlantic City for occasional gambling and attending the live shows. For now, he swims in the indoor pool weekly and enjoys getting three hot meals daily delivered to his apartment.
“I’m happy at Applewood because people are active and doing things all the time. There is always something interesting to do or places to visit. They’re done everything possible to make us comfortable during a very difficult time.”
Read our Covid-19 precautionary protocol reports
Since the onset of the pandemic in late February 2020, Applewood has followed the CDC’s precautionary guidelines and protocols initiated by CentraState Healthcare System.
Read: Applewood’s weekly COVID-19 Precautionary Reports
With COVID-19 precautions in place, we continue to welcome new residents, arriving from around the corner and across the country.
To learn more about moving to Applewood and schedule a tour of our public spaces, apartments and cottage-style homes with garages, call our friendly staff of senior living professionals at (732) 303-7416.