ARTICLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Barbara Kemmis Phone: (312) 245-1077 499 Northgate Parkway Wheeling, IL 60090-2646 Barbara@cremationassociation.org RESULTS OF THE CANA PULSE POLL ON COVID-19 VACCINES WHEELING, IL—Two weeks ago, CANA launched a poll to check in and see members’ opinions on and experiences with the vaccine. The initial responses revealed an unexpected challenge – eligibility. That prompted CANA staff to draft and send an email to all members with tools to advocate for access to the vaccine at the county or local level. Remember that all mortuary workers, inclusive of crematory operators, transporters, cemetery workers and funeral directors among others, are defined as eligible at the federal level. Whether the state or county has listed mortuary workers and the varied job titles specifically, they are still essential workers. They must keep asking for access, and many CANA Members have reported that polite persistence has paid off. 270 people responded from 49 states, territories, and provinces to the Pulse Poll we offered. While this is an opinion poll rather than statistically significant research, it provides a glimpse into our profession’s thoughts and actions over the past two weeks. In the time since this poll began, we hope the “Yes” responses have increased as more vaccine access and eligibility information became available and local distribution plans become clear. Hopefully this includes many of the negative responses, too! CANA also asked respondents for their location and job title to get a sense of other trends. After working with the data, staff found that the experiences of owners, managers and employees from crematories, cemeteries and funeral homes are universally confusing and frustrating. Thankfully 25% received vaccines promptly, but others (even in the same state) are reporting confusion about eligibility or how to register. Based on this data set, there are no states, provinces, or business types that are having more success than others. Given how challenging the initial vaccine distribution has been, we can hope that it can only get better. Many people left comments in the poll about their experience. They could be categorized into 4 areas: ELIGIBILITY Based on the poll results, all we can recommend is patience. Many people expressed that they weren’t eligible yet and are patiently waiting for vaccination. Everyone’s turn will come. This is the largest public health initiative in history, so it will take time. The confusion that exists about whose turn is next is real, so patient—and pleasant—persistence will pay off. Keep advocating for access for yourself and your employees. Our local health department keeps telling us we are not eligible, but the state department of health says we are. We are still awaiting the response from our provincial government as when funeral directors would receive the vaccination. Very much pleased that those of us in the death care profession were recognized to be one of the first to have the vaccine available to us. We were not recognized when the S1N1 came about. Waiting patiently for it to become available Plan to take it as soon as it is offered. Maryland has been slow to identify Mortuary workers as part of the first phase of vaccinations. It has taken days and lots of frustration to finally have an understanding that those that fall under the Maryland Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors are in fact part of the Phase 1 roll out Our state has not even mentioned Funeral Service. I am in the process of contacting local emergency locations and local hospitals to see if I can get my front line staff vaccinated. I manage a funeral home and cemetery combo. I am wondering when cemetery staff will be included in the vaccine rollout. I have staff that meets with families on a daily basis who have lost loved ones to COVID. My grounds staff is burying COVID positive individuals on a regular basis as well. Approximately 2/3rds of my staff has tested positive since March. My hope is that Cemetery employees are being considered in the early phases of the vaccine roll out. We have heard we are on the "next" tier to receive vaccines after health care workers, however, no timeline or time table or plan was explained or laid out. ACCESS Many respondents, in Illinois and Virginia in particular, described positive experiences scheduling and receiving vaccines with county authorities and local pharmacies. Experiences varied widely based on location. Many people cited their state or local associations and public health departments as the source of information for vaccine access. The local pharmacy might say that they aren’t providing vaccines to the public, because access is limited to populations in the current open phase, but appointments might still be available specified groups. Keep in touch with your local colleagues for tips and current information. The minute I can get scheduled I will get the vaccine for coronavirus. Most of our staff have either had it or will get it this week. Funeral staff are high on the priority list in our county and there seems to be plenty of availability of vaccine. One issue observed was our state’s inability to get the word out on where to go and how to go about it. You have to take the initiative to go and find out where you can get vaccinated. Where I was able to the vaccine for my staff and myself I had to physically go there as they were not picking up the phone, speak to the pharmacist onsite to find out the procedure to obtain the vaccine. Once I found out the process it is somewhat simple but you have to take the initiative to find out. Really Easy - Once I made contact with County Executive, everything is automated. Process of getting actual shot was smooth and took no time at all. In my area it was very easy to get done. While not 100% effective, I certainly feel safer walking into a COVID case. We need to get this for our entire work force. It appears progress is being made for our Funeral Directors and Embalmers but I need this for all workers especially our transfer team, admins and service personnel! County set up a website for pre-registrations. We register online they contacted us for appointments It was a drive through set-up with appointments for which you were supposed to sign up. It was very slow. I was in line in my vehicle for 2.5 hours. We were contacted by our local hospital and the vaccine was offered to our whole staff. Nine of the 12 took first shot yesterday. No problems at all. Second round Feb 9. Two secretaries did not want to take it. One part time man who is 75 years old did not take it because his daughter told him not to. I questioned none of them why they didn’t want it I am planning on getting the vaccine when it is available for me. I've already signed up! SIDE EFFECTS Many who had the vaccine shared their experiences, including side effects. The general consensus was that the side effects were the same as other vaccines – arm soreness, fatigue, some had short-term fever and chills. Lots of encouragement was offered to get the vaccine and the added protection. It did not hurt, but later on that evening my arm hurt at the site. My arm hurt for 3 days and it was over. I am glad my staff and myself had gotten the vaccine as soon as we were able. We will get the second vaccine real soon. The process was very simplified. Just received hours ago little soreness in the arm nothing else notable. I feel to protect myself, family, those we serve, staff, etc. it is a good idea. Pray for the best! I have received the first of two doses thus far. Shot number two will be on January 23rd. The only side effects I experienced was a sore arm. A friend of mine who is a doctor has had both shots now and she says the side effects after her second shot were more intense. Teeth chattering chills, body aches and very tired. She did say she was able to combat all of these with ibuprofen and she highly suggests taking it. She also said the ibuprofen has zero effect on the vaccine making your antibodies. My arm was sore and I had a slight fever, everything else was fine. Glad to get it. No side effects except sore arm. Might make you feel a little tired Was so far ok -- arm a little sore the next day, but fine. Only trouble was getting the health people to understand what we do and how we can get are shots. I had COVID back in March of 2020. I only had loss of smell, otherwise I felt great. I got my first dose of Moderna on December 31st, 2020. The next day, I felt like hell. I had chills, intense fatigue, cold sweats, and diarrhea. It felt like my arm was going to fall off. No fever. And then I was totally fine the next day. I had a sore arm and body chills the next day but I fed fine now! Definitely recommend getting the vaccine. I took the Pfizer Vaccine. My arm was sore for two days with the first round, got a headache along with a sore arm and fatigue with the second shot. HESITANCY OR REFUSAL Respondents wanted more information about the short- and long-term effects or simply replied “no, thank you.” Others were concerned about the process and timeframe for the development of these vaccines. Several replied that were interested in getting the vaccine eventually to have more protection. While others, due to their young age and good health, were in no hurry. Many cited concerns about being forced to take the vaccine by their employer. At the time of publication, there is no mechanism for an employer to force employees to get vaccinated. Not sure if I will be able to receive the vaccine due to autoimmune issues. Waiting for confirmation from my physician. I'm not sure what to think about it yet. I am worried about side effects and allergic reactions to this vaccine. I've read that some people experienced problems with the shot so I am somewhat skeptical up taking this vaccine I won’t be getting the vaccine. Thanks. From what I have been reading, there seems to be plenty of uncertainty about how long after receiving the shot until the vaccine is at the 90-95% effectiveness... I believe I want the vaccine as I would rather have some protection than none at all Won't take the vaccine unless it is mandatory, have had the virus. I’m hoping enough people take it to make a difference My employer has gotten his vaccine but the other employees do not want the vaccine at all. For more information on death care, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the vaccine, read goCANA.org/COVID19 ABOUT CANA Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,300 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Barbara Kemmis Phone: (312) 245-1077 499 Northgate Parkway Wheeling, IL 60090-2646 Barbara@cremationassociation.org
RESULTS OF THE CANA PULSE POLL ON COVID-19 VACCINES
WHEELING, IL—Two weeks ago, CANA launched a poll to check in and see members’ opinions on and experiences with the vaccine. The initial responses revealed an unexpected challenge – eligibility. That prompted CANA staff to draft and send an email to all members with tools to advocate for access to the vaccine at the county or local level. Remember that all mortuary workers, inclusive of crematory operators, transporters, cemetery workers and funeral directors among others, are defined as eligible at the federal level. Whether the state or county has listed mortuary workers and the varied job titles specifically, they are still essential workers. They must keep asking for access, and many CANA Members have reported that polite persistence has paid off.
270 people responded from 49 states, territories, and provinces to the Pulse Poll we offered. While this is an opinion poll rather than statistically significant research, it provides a glimpse into our profession’s thoughts and actions over the past two weeks.
In the time since this poll began, we hope the “Yes” responses have increased as more vaccine access and eligibility information became available and local distribution plans become clear. Hopefully this includes many of the negative responses, too!
CANA also asked respondents for their location and job title to get a sense of other trends. After working with the data, staff found that the experiences of owners, managers and employees from crematories, cemeteries and funeral homes are universally confusing and frustrating. Thankfully 25% received vaccines promptly, but others (even in the same state) are reporting confusion about eligibility or how to register. Based on this data set, there are no states, provinces, or business types that are having more success than others. Given how challenging the initial vaccine distribution has been, we can hope that it can only get better.
Many people left comments in the poll about their experience. They could be categorized into 4 areas:
Based on the poll results, all we can recommend is patience. Many people expressed that they weren’t eligible yet and are patiently waiting for vaccination. Everyone’s turn will come. This is the largest public health initiative in history, so it will take time. The confusion that exists about whose turn is next is real, so patient—and pleasant—persistence will pay off. Keep advocating for access for yourself and your employees.
Many respondents, in Illinois and Virginia in particular, described positive experiences scheduling and receiving vaccines with county authorities and local pharmacies. Experiences varied widely based on location. Many people cited their state or local associations and public health departments as the source of information for vaccine access. The local pharmacy might say that they aren’t providing vaccines to the public, because access is limited to populations in the current open phase, but appointments might still be available specified groups. Keep in touch with your local colleagues for tips and current information.
Many who had the vaccine shared their experiences, including side effects. The general consensus was that the side effects were the same as other vaccines – arm soreness, fatigue, some had short-term fever and chills. Lots of encouragement was offered to get the vaccine and the added protection.
Respondents wanted more information about the short- and long-term effects or simply replied “no, thank you.” Others were concerned about the process and timeframe for the development of these vaccines.
Several replied that were interested in getting the vaccine eventually to have more protection. While others, due to their young age and good health, were in no hurry.
Many cited concerns about being forced to take the vaccine by their employer. At the time of publication, there is no mechanism for an employer to force employees to get vaccinated.
For more information on death care, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the vaccine, read goCANA.org/COVID19
Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,300 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.