Hospital caregivers at PeaceHealth RiverBend began receiving vaccinations against COVID-19 Monday morning. KLCC was there to document the first shot given.
It only took seconds to clean the injection site and poke the needle into Carol Eickmeyer’s arm. The roomful of hospital caregivers and staff erupted. (sound of clapping and cheers)
The registered nurse was first in line to receive the highly anticipated vaccine. After a 15-minute observation period--with no negative side effects--Eickmeyer described the experience.
“I feel great,” she said. “I’m excited about today. I’m excited that the vaccine is here in Oregon and that we’re finally getting it.”
She assured it was just a little sting. “Honestly it wasn’t as bad as the flu shot. I don’t feel anything anymore,” she said.
Eickmeyer said it was an honor to be the first nurse here to get the vaccine. She encourages everyone to “trust the science” and when given the opportunity to get the shot, take it.
Dr. Karthik Mahadevan was next in line for the vaccine. He has been treating COVID-19 patients at RiverBend. Some have died from complications of the virus. Mahadevan said the vaccine makes him feel safer doing his job.
“Most health care workers get infected from outside, other than in taking care of patients,” said Mahadevan. “So this protects me to make sure I won’t get ill so I’m not available to take care of patients.”
Hospital officials say they expect to administer the vaccine to around 250 more care givers during this vaccination clinic. Chief Nursing Officer Heather Wall said there will be several more clinics in the next two weeks.
“We’re finally on the edge of hope and of getting ourselves into a different space than we have been for the past nine months,” Wall added.
PeaceHealth’s initial shipment of the vaccine made by Pfizer was 975 doses. Eickmeyer, like everyone else who got the shot today, will need a second poke in 21 days.
Another Lane County hospital also administered Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccinations Monday morning. McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center scheduled a large percentage of their Phase 1 medical staff for shots throughout the day.
