When Memorial Healthcare Systems opened COVID-19 vaccinations to the 1B group last Thursday, 102-year-old Gretchen Christenjaere was one of the first in line.
Christenjaere, who was selected to receive the first round of the vaccine on Jan. 28, said the scene at the Seward County Ag Pavilion was eerily similar to a previous life experience nearly 60 years ago.
“I remember I stood in line at the Seward Armory to receive the polio vaccination in the 1960s,” she said. “That was also a scary pandemic, but I feel this one is a lot worse with it being a respiratory virus.”
Christenjaere added that she feels fortunate to receive the vaccine because of how dangerous it's proven to be.
“I think it is a great thing for the Seward community to have this vaccination clinic,” she said. “It is a blessing the vaccine became available when it did to save lives.”
The Jan. 28 vaccine clinic was the first step towards vaccinating the 1B group group in Seward County. The chance to be vaccinated was opened earlier in January for individuals 65 and up or adults 18 and older with underlying conditions. The first round was conducted on an oldest-to-youngest basis.
MHCS distributed the vaccine to 180 individuals ranging from ages in the mid-80s to 102 years old. The group will return for its second and final dose on Feb. 24.
For the 180 who ventured to the Seward County Ag Pavillion Thursday, it marked the first significant journey into public since the pandemic-related safety measures were put in place last March.
“I've been hibernating,” said Seward resident Mae Thorfinnson. “I didn't want to get the virus.”
When Thorfinnson arrived at the Ag Pavilion Thursday, she saw many acquaintances she hadn't seen since the pandemic began check in to receive the vaccine themselves. The chance to see old friends with the vaccine eventually providing more opportunities for social interaction in the near future gave Thorfinnson a feeling of hope.
“I know some of the people that came today and we had gotten so lonesome to see each other,” she said. “I feel very privileged to be here today.”
“It was comforting to see everyone here,” added Marna Grubb, Seward. “Everything was great.”
Mallory Gibreal, Director of Community Relations with MHCS, said the event was extremely important to the community, but also heartwarming.
“A lot of these people haven't seen many other people since March. We've had people run into their card playing friends,” she said. “They hope that soon they can get back out, volunteer, go to church and be social again.”
After receiving the vaccine, Seward resident Lola Schildt thought for a second what the first thing she'd would be after the vaccination takes hold. A grandson's wedding reception later this year came to mind but for the most part, Schildt said she just plans on enjoying the opportunity.
“I just want to feel like I'm able to go out again,” she said. “It feels pretty good to have this so I don't have to be as afraid.”
Schildt added that she was thankful of the efforts of MHCS and the community as a whole to bring the vaccine to the area quickly and offer it to those who need it the most.
“It's very wonderful,” she said. “I didn't think it come this quick, but this was well organized and everyone did a good job.”
Gibreal said that the event was a success and was made possible by the dedication of the local communities and the State of Nebraska to make sure that as many people as possible are better protected from the virus.
“We're so excited,” she said. “We're thrilled we can offer this and help support vaccination efforts in our community.”
