PLATTSBURGH, NY (WCAX) – The Modern COVID-19 Vaccine has arrived at the Hudson Headwaters Health Network in Plattsburgh.
So far, 60 staff members have been vaccinated and, after nine long months, it has been an emotional experience.
“Wait. I need a moment,” said Dr. Yamilee Jacques of the Hudson Headwaters. “It’s getting a little emotional for me.”
Jacques received his first dose of Moderna vaccine on Wednesday. And the reality of what had just happened struck her.
“It’s just been a tough year,” Jacques said.
A difficult year for everyone.
“Normal things in everyday life that I’ve always taken for granted,” said Dr. David Ellsworth of the Hudson Headwaters.
For those working in the healthcare industry, it’s hard to describe how it felt this year.
“It was mentally exhausting,” Jacques said. “You just feel like you’re giving everything you can and you need that time away from work. You need that socialization and the time spent with your family ”.
Jacques’ family lives across 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 family members and they should go to the hospital or even worse,” he said.
The vaccine is the light at the end of a very dark tunnel for health workers at the Plattsburgh office in the Hudson Headwaters. They get the vaccine this week.
“It feels like the best Christmas present,” Jacques said.
They share the medical landmark to remind people to listen to the science and facts of this pandemic.
“We work for people, to help people, not to hurt people. Trust science, ”said Jacques.
“I’m excited to get it and prove to people it’s a safe vaccination,” Ellsworth said.
The vaccine does not make the mask disappear yet and you will still have to keep your social distance until we reach the herd’s immunity, but this vaccine, 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, “said Jacques.
“This finally gives us some hope to go in the right direction,” Ellsworth said.
The office says they have enough doses for their entire staff. They will administer doses in the next few weeks.
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