News

Carolina Village residents exult at vaccine clinic

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 15, 2021

Maxine Hall was one of the first in line to receive her first COVID-19 vaccination at Carolina Village Monday

A retired nurse, Ms. Hall – or “Vaccine Maxine,” as she has become known – has seen first-hand the huge impact and difference that a vaccine can make in fighting disease. She worked through the polio epidemic in the 1950s and watched patients, including loved ones, battle HIV in the 1980s and 90s.

“It’s nothing short of a miracle that we have a vaccine this quickly,” she said. “I’m proud to be getting it!”

“Our team has been working to bring the vaccine to Carolina Village’s Independent Living residents for weeks,” said Kevin Parries, Carolina Village’s executive director. “Our Care Canter and Medical Center residents began receiving their doses in January, so we were anxious to serve all of our residents. We’re grateful to have a partner in CVS that allowed our Independent Living residents to receive the vaccine without having to leave campus. Those who don’t drive, for example, were extremely worried about being able to get the vaccine. My phone’s been ringing off the hook.”

More than 500 independent living residents received the vaccine on Feb. 15.

“This isn’t like a normal flu shot clinic,” said Parries. “From check-in to post-vaccine observation, we have tried to coordinate every detail to keep residents as safe as possible.”

“I’ve been so impressed with how smoothly this has flowed,” said resident Nancy Randall. “Not that I’m surprised. They’ve taken such great care of all of us this past year or so, thinking of everything.”

Since the vaccine clinic was the day after Valentine’s, the Village dubbed it the “Breaking Up with COVID” clinic. They set a festive atmosphere by decorating with balloons, a photo booth, and other festive details. One banner welcoming people to the check-in area said, “Welcome to our vaccine party! We don’t have beer, but we do have SHOTS!”