The Pfizer vaccination, the first in a series of two shots, was over within seconds. After weeks in which frontline workers were vaccinated, Sanford Health Bismarck and Sanford Health Fargo administered the vaccine in what they call Phase 1B on Thursday, January 14th. The category includes people 75 years and older and people with underlying high-risk health conditions.
“I got my chance,” Bakken, 92, said. ‘It did not hurt; she did wonderful. That means I have to be protected and that I will become 100. ”
LPN Bethany Schulz shows vaccination documents to Corrine Bakken, 92, before receiving her first COVID-19 vaccination on Thursday, January 14 at the Sanford Broadway Clinic, Fargo. Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor
Bakken has been silent at home since the beginning of the pandemic. In the summer she tended her garden. Her son, Larry Bakken, goes grocery shopping and they share meals together. The night before her vaccination, they had turkey, mashed potatoes and spaghetti pumpkin.
The pandemic forced her to retire from her job at West Fargo Public Schools, where she worked with children with special needs for 27 years.
“It was one of the hardest parts,” Bakken said. “This and to isolate myself.” She looks at her son, a Sanford employee who has already been vaccinated. “They take care of me. They have been my anchor for so long, and after my husband passed away 12 years ago, I fear I would not be here today if it were not for them. ”
“I hope it’s the light at the end of the tunnel,” Larry Bakken said. He adapted his lifestyle to look after his mother without transmitting the coronavirus to her. “We are a family working together and we help each other.”
Bakken does not plan to change her lifestyle now that she has received her first vaccination, but she hopes her family can be under a new normal again soon.
“We will continue to be careful and protect ourselves and everyone else by wearing our masks,” Bakken said. “I’ll leave it to the scientists to find out, they know better than we do.”
Corrine Bakken shows off her CDC record after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, January 14 at Sanford Broadway Clinic, Fargo. Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor
Like many others, Bakken and her son wonder if they can be safe to transmit the coronavirus to others when they are fully vaccinated.
‘Can you put some virus in your nose or something like that and transmit it? I suppose it’s a possibility, but I do not think we know it yet, ‘explained Sanford Fargo, chief medical officer Doug Griffin, who said he only had a sore arm after his vaccination.
“Based on other viral diseases we have been vaccinated against, we think this is not a great way of transmission, but now we are in a pandemic where the virus is much more prevalent than some of our other viruses,” he said. said. said.
Erica Jackson, left, and Peggy Gilbery are examining patients who received the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, January 14 at Sanford Broadway Clinic, Fargo. Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor
Griffin said about 15 people would be vaccinated on Thursday. The Sanford could administer vaccinations quickly, depending on the supply, which is currently limited, he said, adding that the public should not change the lifestyle after reception.
“Unfortunately, until we vaccinate a large number of people, I don’t think it will change much,” Griffin said. ‘For example, could it give one of these people a little more comfort to be visited by a grandchild, or something like that? I think the answer to that is possibly yes. However, I do not think it’s a ticket to go out on the town. ‘
According to Sanford Health, priority groups are determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North Dakota Department of Health. More information on suitability can be found here.
Jean Beilke (88) and her husband Erwin (92) after receiving the first Pfizer vaccine on Thursday 14 January at the Sanford Health Center. CS Hagen / The Forum
Jean Beilke (88) and her husband, Erwin (92), got their first vaccine shot together. Nearly a year into the pandemic, they spent almost all of their time at home, with rare church trips.
“Lots of naps,” Erwin said.
“And cards, puzzles, puzzles,” Jean said. “We stayed home, we did nothing, but it does not matter as long as we are two.”
For Christmas, they did get together with ten family members, all in the basement.
“I just hope I live long enough to get the second chance.” Erwin joked. “It will be in a few weeks.”
‘The only hope we have is that it will end soon. Many people were hurt by this, “said Erwin.