Seniors take a shot to fight virus
William Kraft of Renwick (left) received a COVID-19 vaccination from Humboldt County Memorial Hospital Infection Control Director Kim Schipull (right) during last week’s clinic at the fairgrounds. Humboldt Independent photo by Kent Thompson.
By KENT THOMPSON
There were a number of emotions swirling around the minds of the 227 Humboldt senior citizens that were waiting for COVID-19 vaccinations last Wednesday (Feb. 3) at the Humboldt County Events Center.
One of the most prevalent was one of gratefulness. Citizens were grateful for not having gotten sick and were optimistic that the vaccination will work.
“You listen to the news and hear about who is most likely to have a bad effect if they get it and that’s me, I guess. I’m old and at higher risk,” said 78-year-old Rolland Larsen of Humboldt.
“We are getting people vaccinated today with their first dose and they will receive a follow-up vaccine in three weeks,” Humboldt County Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer Michelle Sleiter said.
“We know people are anxious and we want to thank the public for their patience and understanding. Our No. 1 goal is to get people vaccinated as soon as we can in a safe and coordinated manner,” Sleiter said.
The reason the vaccination clinic was for residents ages 75 and older was because Humboldt County’s allocation of the vaccine has been limited to this point. The county is in phase 1B of the stepped process. Humboldt County received another 100 doses late last week and conducted another clinic on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at the fairgrounds for senior citizens age 75 and older.
