From Michigan s biggest cities to its far rural areas, the state s most vulnerable populations in nursing homes and long-term care facilities are finally starting to get COVID-19 vaccines with officials hoping to see declines in the number of cases and deaths soon after both doses of the vaccines are administered to residents and staff.
For many, that day can t come fast enough.
It brings the hope of hugging a parent, spouse, daughter, son or grandchild. It brings the anticipation of simply touching and holding a friend s hand.
More than 29,000 coronavirus cases have been reported among nursing home residents and staff, with 3,683 residents (more than 28% of the state s 12,918 deaths) and 34 staff dying so far in the pandemic.
Dan Bayer / Courtesy Aspen Valley Hospital
Though he was the first person in Pitkin County to receive the COVID-19 vaccine Thursday, Dr. Greg Balko wasn’t feeling the weight of history when the needle entered his arm.
Instead, the Aspen Valley Hospital emergency room physician said he felt a great tonnage of accumulated fear and anxiety finally lift after 10 months on Pitkin County’s COVID-19 frontlines.
“It’s the anxiety of every time you walk into a (hospital) room and you wonder if today is the day you’re going to get it,” Balko said Thursday. “(The vaccination) definitely provides a sense of security and hope.