UPDATE 21:20 In a press release late on Thursday, the MDH says 374 doses of the vaccine were distributed at the Rochester site as of 8 pm on Thursday.
2,399 Minnesotans received doses across the state.
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The Minnesota Department of Health pilot vaccination sites for adults over 65 and educators kicked out Thursday. One of nine locations across the state is in Rochester, at Willow Creek Middle School.
Of the 60,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine allocated to the state weekly, 12,000 doses are now diverted to the pilot program.
“Last week was my birthday! So this was my birthday gift,” said Michael Leming, the vaccine recipient.
“Lucky. Very lucky,” said another recipient Debbie Flobin after leaving Willow Creek.
After a crash on the registration site on Tuesday – and only a few 6,000 Minnesota residents able to book appointments – luckily, it could be the perfect description.
“My daughter-in-law bought it for me,” said Betty Wilson. “She is the only one who has this for me. No problem.”
“It’s very easy,” said Michael. “We just went online.”
The exuberance was felt outside of school and in the cold January wind.
“I feel great. I feel like before I go in. I’m ready for lunch. I’m always ready for lunch,” joked Michael.
“We were very lucky. We were sure to get one for him first,” said Ann Leming, pointing at her husband. “It was so easy. Everyone was very organized there. They had lines you went through. I sat down. I took the scene and it was over.
Michael added that it didn’t hurt at all.
“Everyone was really excited. It was perfect,” said Flobin.
“Just wonderful. Very good. No pain or anything,” said Wilson.
Getting the golden ticket was not so easy for everyone.
“I had four people working on it. My two daughters, my husband and me. My daughter was online in about 10 minutes. So, you know, we’re very lucky. So, I’m ready!”
But it was worth it – seeing that ray of light at the end of the tunnel, first hand.
“At the moment, this is the most important thing in my life,” said Flobin. “I can’t have my other life until I get the vaccine. It is very important.”
Minnesota residents who qualify to be vaccinated in the pilot program can register online or call 833-431-2053. Appointments can be made for the next week, starting on Tuesday.