Residents, followed by staff, at Strath-Haven Community in Bendigo queued to roll up their sleeves on Thursday 25 February to get the first COVID-19 vaccination to be rolled out across Uniting AgeWell.
And Strath-Haven Residential Services Manager Kate Jackson says the mass vaccination session on Thursday took on a festive, almost party-like atmosphere, with lots of residents grinning and cracking jokes as they headed off for their shots to rounds of applause.
In total, 80 residents were vaccinated, including one resident in respite care and another person due for admission, who was admitted earlier to have it done. There were doses left over, so 33 staff members lined up to get the needle.
Residents at Newnham Community, Aldersgate Village in Tasmania are the next group to receive the vaccination on Monday 1 March, followed by residents at Strathdon Community in Forest Hill on Wednesday.
Kate says a medical team of six came in, set up privacy screens in the main area and got to work. Then seven or eight Uniting AgeWell staff members ushered in residents for their jab, running the operation with almost military precision.
“I am so proud of the team,” Kate says. “They did a fantastic job.”
Afterwards residents were treated to tea and cake in the dining room, where the buzz continued.
In amongst the laughter, Kate found herself getting a bit tearful. “The pandemic affected older people the most, it’s great that they can be afforded this protection, especially with winter approaching.”
So, who’s who in the Jab Hall of Fame?
The very first resident was Jean Balmer.
Jean, who turns 93 next month, says “I feel very lucky to have had the first jab, and I’m encouraging all my family – which includes nine great-grandchildren – to have the vaccination too.”
And did the jab hurt? “Not a bit,” Jean says. “I had no hesitation in having it done, and I feel fantastic. I have been here for nearly three years, and this will protect me in winter. I would have been in terrible strife during the pandemic if I had been home on my own, the staff here are just amazing and looked after us all so very well.”
Hazel Simpkins, who turns 90 in a few days, jumped at the opportunity to be next in the queue, noting, "It’s the best form of protection there is.” The great-grandmother, who has been at Strathaven for nearly three years, says the shot didn’t hurt a bit. “I felt nothing!” she says.
The Jab Hall of Fame with staff started with personal care worker Sherrill Whitehead, followed by Kate.
Sherrill loved the great vibe and buzz of excitement around the occasion and says “If residents can have it, so can I.”
Kate says the jab didn’t hurt a bit either, and she felt hugely grateful to have had it done.
Personal Care Worker Tom Piazza was third to get the jab.
And Caz Boyd rose to the occasion by being the first kitchen and hotel services staff member to get vaccinated.
“We strongly encourage everyone who is able to get vaccinated,” says CEO Andrew Kinnersly.
“This will be instrumental in protecting those vulnerable residents and clients we care for who are unable to have the vaccine, as well as protecting each other, our families and friends.
“We should all be doing everything we possibly can to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
