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Effingham Health System workers receive COVID-19 vaccination
Bertha Scott
Bertha Scott, LPN in EHS Care and Rehabilitation Center, receives a shot administered by Director of Pharmacy Kameron Huffman on Monday. - photo by Photo submitted

SPRINGFIELD — People on the frontline of the COVID-19 fight started receiving a proverbial and literal shot in the arm Monday.

Effingham Health System (EHS) healthcare workers are being vaccinated against the highly contagious disease that has claimed more than 320,000 American lives. It has killed 33 people from Effingham County.

“This vaccine is a major, proactive step that offers us hope in fighting this virus” said Dr. Fran Witt, EHS CEO. “We are excited to begin phase one of our COVID-19 vaccination program with our frontline healthcare workers — keeping them safe so they can be there to care for members of our community during this pandemic.

“Our rollout of the vaccine will follow strict CDC and Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines for distribution.”

In addition to EHS workers, Effingham County EMS providers and long-term care residents in Effingham Care Center are eligible to be vaccinated in the first phase.

Maggie Hendler, chief nursing officer for EHS, urges people to research the science (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html) that has gone into making the COVID-19 vaccines. She hopes everyone will  make an informed choice when the vaccine becomes available to them.

 “This could be the turning point in fighting this pandemic,” Hendley said.

EHS staffers voiced confidence in the vaccine’s efficacy and safety.

“I am proud to be one of the first recipients of the COVID vaccine,” said Amy Watson, BSN, RN, Emergency Department director. “I trust that it is safe and I hope that by seeing this more people will be motivated to get the vaccination. I believe that this is a great first step for providing protection in our community.”

Jennifer Floyd, RN, director of Nursing, Medical-Surgical Department, added, “There has been so much controversy in regards to the new vaccine.  Everyone has the right to choose whether to receive the vaccine or not. Personally, I am grateful and thankful for the opportunity to receive this vaccination. This pandemic has been stressful on everyone in the community — it’s adjusting to a whole new way of life. 

“I feel that having the chance to vaccinate gives a glimpse of hope. We are all in this together and we will get through it together. That’s what family does! Thank you to Effingham Health System for offering the vaccine to us and protecting us.”

Follow Effingham Health on Facebook or visit EffinghamHealth.com/coronavirus for updates on the rollout of vaccines for our community.