I had the good fortune to start the month of February by receiving my first shot of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center at 10:01 a.m. Monday.
I am being very precise as it was a very momentous moment for me. One of the Public Health nurses administered it as I sat in my car.
Often fitness enthusiasts claim, “no pain, no gain.” That was certainly not the case with this. I encountered no pain with this shot, but clearly feel I gained a great deal — some protection from COVID-19 (even more on March 1st when I get my second shot) and a tremendous sense of emotional relief.
Still, as thankful as I was and still am, my excitement was exceeded when in my rear view mirror I saw the Chatham Transit bus. I knew that we at the Council on Aging had worked with Chatham Transit and the Chatham County Public Health Department to arrange for homebound seniors to receive their vaccine. Some were in the bus in wheelchairs and scooters. I am sure people could not see the big smile under my mask, but it was there.
It has been nearly a year since Chatham County reported its first COVID-19 case (the second in North Carolina). Many of our most vulnerable residents have remained sheltering in place. Our Council on Aging has provided meals, supplies, telephone reassurance, in-home personal care, virtual programming, transportation to medical visits and grocery shopping and many other forms of assistance — but there is no question the extended pandemic has taken a toll.
Many of our seniors live alone and do not have access to the Internet. I appreciate the commitment of Chatham County to work especially hard to reach those who are isolated and especially vulnerable. It has been a collaborative effort — symbolic of Public Health’s campaign of “Share Love, Not COVID.”
We are certainly not at the point we can relax. We are only at the beginning stages of assuring that all people who want the vaccine can get the vaccine. Even for those who receive the vaccine, we must continue the 3 W’s — wearing a mask, waiting a safe distance from others, and washing our hands frequently. There is no substitute, no other option for community patriots concerned about our fellow residents.
I want to say a special thanks to Chatham County Public Health, Chatham County Emergency Management and Chatham Hospital for their leadership and professionalism throughout this COVID-19 period. We are blessed to live in a county that is so capable and caring. This has been a great way to start “We Love Seniors” month, as proclaimed by the Chatham County Board of County Commissioners.