WALKING into Eventide Homes on Wednesday something felt different. There was a sense of relief in the air.
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From staff to residents, the day had come to receive the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine - a small bit of pain for an outlook that could return the nursing home back to some normality.
Eventide Homes chief executive Sue Blakey said the most important priority for the retirement home was to keep residents safe and well.
"Following last year's situation with COVID-19 getting into aged care facilities, there truly has been a sense of relief knowing that after May 5th, the majority of our residents will have been fully vaccinated," she said.
"Along with the residents, our staff have also been looking forward to the vaccination rollout to arrive here at Eventide.
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"Today (Wednesday), Aspen Medical representatives have administered the vaccines and the systems in place have ensured that all residents who consented to the vaccine have received it in a safe and well organised manner.
"I am very appreciative of the manner in which Aspen Medical undertook the process and along with our staff, took the time to check and double check to ensure that everything went right.
"My gratitude goes out to staff and I congratulate you all for your detailed and resourced planning which has enabled the execution of the day to run ahead of schedule.
It was so important for you to be on hand, for residents to see familiar faces, to feel comfortable and to be reassured throughout the process.
"A total of 87 residents were vaccinated and 27 excess doses were given to staff working on the day.
"We look forward to the second dose on May 5th."
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Residents expressed their feelings of how important receiving the vaccine was.
"I've had other vaccines a long time ago and I've had the flu vaccine every year," one resident said.
"I feel ok having it and I think it's a good idea that we're getting it and I feel much safer knowing that I've had it," said another.
The final dose of the Pfizer vaccine will be administered on May 5.
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