Masks did little to hide smiles on Tuesday as hundreds of people 75 and older filed into the Fair Barn in Pinehurst to receive their second COVID-19 vaccines.
Tuesday’s clinic marked an important milestone for Operation FirstShot, a joint effort by FirstHealth of the Carolinas and primary care providers to vaccinate eligible members of the population against COVID-19. First doses were given in mid-January, and those who received second doses Tuesday are now better protected against the coronavirus.
Anne Holmes, the first person to receive her first dose in January, was back again on Tuesday and said she was thrilled to be done with her vaccination process.
Anne Holmes.
“I’m so appreciative that I can get the vaccine, and the whole process has been very efficient,” she said. “I mentioned it in January, but I hope in the near future to finally be able to cuddle and hold our precious 8-month-old grandson in Baltimore.”
Peggy Gibson was excited as well, for multiple reasons. The Aberdeen native celebrated her second dose and her 80th birthday.
“I know getting vaccinated will help me look out for others around me, and that’s really what this is all about – everyone taking care of each other,” she said. “It’s an exciting day, and I’m thankful for it.”
Appointment-only vaccination clinics will continue to be scheduled at the Fair Barn as vaccine supply allows. FirstHealth and its primary care partners are continuing to call and schedule eligible patients for first doses.
Individuals age 65 years or older may also pre-register anytime at moorecountync.gov/shot or by calling (910) 947-SHOT (7468) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week. Individuals can then expect a phone call from a Health Department representative to schedule a vaccination appointment for an upcoming vaccine clinic being held at the Health Department in Carthage on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays.
For more details about vaccination clinics, please visit www.firsthealth.org/shot.
Feature photo: Peggy Gibson.
Courtesy photos/Contributed.
