Debbie Andres had reason to smile under her purple mask on Tuesday afternoon, as she strolled outside Heinz Field and prepared to drive home.
The sun was shining. And after several dark winter weeks trying to make an appointment with any provider she could find, the 63-year-old Harrison woman managed to get her first dose of the covid-19 vaccine.
She let out a cathartic sigh.
“I’m so relieved,” said Andres. “So relieved to be able to start getting a life back.”
Andres was among some 4,000 people who managed to make appointments online through Giant Eagle for a vaccine clinic this week. The clinic’s opening – almost a month after the NFL offered Heinz Field and other stadiums across the country as possible vaccination sites – was welcome news for those who have tried unsuccessfully to get a vaccine in the region. Pennsylvania began distributing doses of vaccines primarily to healthcare professionals in late December and expanded to more priority groups in early January.
“I tried for a long, long time like everyone else. … I was constantly checking all the different locations, ”said Andres. “I was checking when the (Giant Eagle) website went live and I went in immediately and chose the first place I found.”
Recipients filled the stadium on the north coast of Pittsburgh from all over western Pennsylvania, including not only Allegheny, but Westmoreland, Butler, Beaver and other neighboring counties. They included everyone from health professionals in the front line in their 30s to Pauline Napolitano, from Monroeville, 92.
As he headed for the distribution line within the PNC Champions Club of Heinz Field, Dennis Henderson of Hanover, Beaver County was not thrilled, but eager to “get it over with, cross the list.”
“I haven’t been anywhere much and it won’t change anything, really,” said Henderson, 71, who became the first of his family and close friends to get a vaccine.
Giant Eagle last week announced the three-day clinic in partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Hours after registration opened, all online appointments were booked using the network’s scheduling tool, Giant Eagle officials said. A limited number of appointments were scheduled to be made over the phone on Monday for those who do not have access to the internet or computer.
Telephone registration appointments ended an hour later.
“It’s been difficult,” said Eleanor Reubi, 74, of Ross, who was grateful to secure a spot at the Heinz Field clinic. She said she initially had some qualms, but now she feels confident about the safety and importance of getting vaccinated.
“I was hesitant, I’m not going to lie,” said Reubi. “But I also don’t want to be (greedy).”
The Heinz Field clinic was only available to people in the Pennsylvania phase 1A priority group, which includes healthcare professionals, people aged 65 and over, and people aged 16-64 with certain chronic health conditions. She offered the first two-dose vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech.
Andres is about a year old before he is old enough to qualify for the priority group of seniors; she was eligible instead because she has the quali fi ed health problem of multiple sclerosis.
His advice to those who have not yet been able to get the dose of the vaccine: “Keep trying. It is a great relief when you get the appointment. And make your friends try for you too. Just, everyone try. “
Natasha Lindstrom is a staff writer for the Tribune-Review. You can contact Natasha at 412-380-8514, [email protected] or via Twitter .
Tags:
Coronavirus | Location | Pittsburgh | Best stories