DIAM COVID-19 Weekly Case Count & Vaccine Info (March 5-12, 2021)

I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine!: Lisa Hepler, DENSO Manufacturing Michigan

I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine!: Lisa Hepler, DENSO Manufacturing Michigan

As DENSO associates become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, some of them are gracious enough to share their stories. This week, let’s hear from Lisa Hepler, Medical Manager at DENSO’s thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek, Michigan.

What would you tell others about getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

An ounce of prevention goes a long way. It’s so important for the safety of everyone.

How was your vaccination experience?

It was easy. I didn’t have any of the potential side effects and felt fine. You have to wait for 15 minutes after the immunization to make sure you don’t have a reaction.

Why did you choose to get the vaccine?

I am a Nurse and sadly, I lost my Uncle to the COVID-19 virus. I am so ready to put this situation into the history books.

Want to share your vaccine experience? Send your photo and answers to the questions above to communications@na.denso.com.

DENSO North America
Weekly COVID-19 Case Update

This week marks one year since the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted life as we knew it. Please take a moment to remember the victims of this virus, including the tragic loss of eight of our own DENSO teammates.

In the past seven days, 33 positive COVID-19 diagnoses were reported at DENSO affiliates in North America. A continued flattening of our overall case counts is trending with the communities where our associates live and work. Throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States (U.S.), DENSO has reported 2,834 total positive diagnoses.

Following local investigations into cases at DENSO facilities this week, most were classified as community spread (household, gatherings, travel, etc.). In Mexico, four cases have been classified as workplace spread. We are continuing our internal investigation into these cases and will reinforce safety countermeasures based on the findings.

While we patiently plan for widespread vaccination, please remember that following DENSO’s risk minimization policies is more important than ever. So, secure your mask over your nose and mouth, maintain six feet or more of social distance, avoid large gatherings and wash your hands—at work and in your community.

Exposed in Community – transmission attributed to community or home

Exposed at DENSO – transmission attributed to DENSO site contact

Unable to Determine – cannot confidently determine the source of exposure after thorough investigation (may have been exposed outside or inside of work)

Under Investigation – investigation is on-going both internally as well as with county health departments

COVID-19 Vaccine: Who should NOT get vaccinated against COVID-19?

People With Allergies? Generally, yes, with a couple exceptions.
The CDC recommends that people with a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications—such as food, pet, venom, environmental, or latex allergies—get vaccinated. People with a history of allergies to oral medications or a family history of severe allergic reactions may also get vaccinated. There are two exceptions:

• Those with a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any component of the COVID-19 vaccine should not receive it. For example, people who are allergic to polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate should not get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna).
• If you have had an immediate allergic reaction—even if it was not severe—to a vaccine or injectable therapy for another disease, ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor will help you decide if it is safe for you to get vaccinated.

People with severe allergies require a 30-minute observation period after vaccination, while all others must be observed for 15 minutes. Vaccine clinics have safety protocols in place to respond to any adverse reactions.

Pregnant or Breastfeeding? Vaccine should not be withheld; discuss the benefits/risks with your doctor.
While there are limited data about COVID-19 vaccines for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that the COVID-19 vaccine should not be withheld from pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should discuss the benefits and risks of the vaccine with their healthcare provider.

Let’s Learn Together:  Premise Health Webinar

Premise Health, the company that operates three DENSO Family Health Centers, recently presented a webinar on COVID-19 vaccination. Their health experts covered a variety of topics, including vaccination safety, eligibility and side effects. A video of this informative conversation can be found at this link.  Thanks, Premise!