PLATTSBURGH, NY (WCAX) – The modern vaccine for COVID-19 arrived at Hudson Headwaters Health Network in Plattsburgh.
So far, 60 employees have been vaccinated and, after nine long months, it has been an exciting experience.
“Wait. I need a moment,” said Dr. Yamilee Jacques, of Hudson Headwaters. “This is getting a little emotional for me.”
Jacques received his first dose of the Moderna vaccine on Wednesday. And the reality of what had just happened reached her.
“It’s just been a difficult year,” said Jacques.
A difficult year for everyone.
“Normal things in everyday life that we always take for granted,” said Dr. David Ellsworth, of Hudson Headwaters.
For those working in the health sector, it is difficult to describe what this year was like.
“It has been mentally exhausting,” said Jacques. “You just feel like you give everything you can and need that time away from work. You need socializing and time with your family. “
Jacques’s family lives across the closed border in Montreal. She hasn’t seen them in almost a year.
It is a similar story for Ellsworth.
“I would feel terrible if one of my family members was infected and they had to go to the hospital or even worse,” he said.
The vaccine is the light at the end of a very dark tunnel for healthcare professionals at Hudson Headwaters’ Plattsburgh office. They are getting the vaccine this week.
“It looks like the best Christmas present,” said Jacques.
They are sharing the medical framework to remind people to listen to the science and facts of this pandemic.
“We work for people, to help people, not to harm people. Trust science, ”said Jacques.
“I’m excited to get it and prove to people that it is a safe vaccination,” said Ellsworth.
The vaccine does not make your mask disappear yet and you will still need to maintain your social distance until we achieve collective immunity, but this injection, this vaccine is starting to pave the way for a pandemic-free community.
“This virus, we all know that, does not discriminate. But the good news is that neither is the vaccine, ”said Jacques.
“It finally gives us some hope of going in the right direction,” said Ellsworth.
The office says they have enough doses for the entire team. They will administer doses in the coming weeks.
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