PLATTSBURGH, NY (WCAX) – The Modern COVID-19 vaccine has reached the Hudson Headwaters health network in Plattsburgh.
So far, 60 staff members have been vaccinated and, after nine long months, it was an emotional experience.
“Just wait. I need a moment, “said Dr. Yamilee Jacques of the Hudson Headwaters.” That makes me a little emotional. “
Jacques received his first dose of the Modern vaccine on Wednesday. And the reality of what had just happened struck her.
“It’s just, it’s been a tough year,” Jacques said.
A tough year for everyone.
“The normal things in everyday life that we always took for granted,” said Dr. David Ellsworth of Hudson Headwaters.
For those working in the healthcare industry, it’s hard to describe what it’s been like this year.
“It’s been mentally exhausting,” Jacques said. “You just feel like you’re giving everything you can and need that time out of work. You need that socialization and time with your family. “
Jacques’ family lives on the closed border in Montreal. He hasn’t seen them in almost a year.
It’s a similar story for Ellsworth.
“I would feel horrible if I infected one of my relatives and had to go to the hospital or worse,” he said.
The vaccine is the light at the end of a very dark tunnel for health workers at the Plattsburgh office in Hudson Headwaters. They get the vaccine this week.
“It feels like the best Christmas present,” Jacques said.
They share the medical milestone to remind people to listen to the science and facts of this pandemic.
“We work for the people, to help the people and not harm the people. Trust science, ”Jacques said.
“I’m excited to get it and show people that it’s a safe vaccine,” Ellsworth said.
The vaccine still doesn’t make your mask go away and you still have to keep your social distance until you reach the herd’s immunity, but this vaccine is starting to pave the way for a pandemic-free community.
“This virus, we all know, does not discriminate. But the good news is not the vaccine either, ”Jacques said.
“That finally gives us some hope to move in the right direction,” Ellsworth said.
The office says they have enough doses for all staff. They will administer doses over the next few weeks.
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