DAYTON, Ohio — News Center 7 spend part of the day at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic and talked with seniors who are anxious to get the shot.
Premier Health’s vaccination clinic in Dayton kicked off the first phase of the 1B vaccinations, which eventually will include everyone 65 years and older, along with school teachers and employees. However, this first week was designated to those 80 years and older.
Odessa Johnson said, “I was so excited, exuberant and just feel blessed.”
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Johnson was one of the first half-dozen seniors with appointments to get their first shot as part of the vaccine process. Most people said it felt like a step toward freedom.
“I’m telling you, I’ve been in, I’m tired of it,” Johnson said.
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Rosalee Weinert said, “I’m so thrilled that I got it that I got scheduled.”
Weinert and the other patients answered a few general health questions. The clinic staff then ushered them into an exam room for their shots. Most people, like Shirley Porter, said even the needle prick wasn’t too bad.
“It was wonderful. I was shocked myself. I was afraid I would be jumpy and I didn’t move,” Porter said.
Dr. Roberto Colon, who is Chief Medical officer at Miami Valley Hospital, said, “It really is an incredible moment and exciting.:
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Planners at places like Premier Health of Kettering Health Network said starting vaccinations for the community is a milestone they are ecstatic to reach.
Kettering Health Network set up a large clinic in a vacant department store on Dorothy Lane. They are ready to ramp up the shots as more vaccine doses become available.
And some milestones are personal for people working there.
Zac Keene is a Clinical Ambulatory Pharmacist with Kettering Health and said, “Extremely rewarding. This morning I was able to give my grandpa a shot. He’s been cooped up for almost a year now.”
All of the people that work these clinics emphasize that you have to register and schedule an appointment. They are currently limited by the number of vaccine doses they received from the state.