REDLANDS, Calif. — The cafeteria at the Mission Commons in Redlands – a retirement community for independent and assisted living – has turned into a vaccine distribution site.
What You Need To Know
- Residents and workers at a Redlands retirement community received the Pfizer vaccine Friday
- There was enough for 145 doses in the first round
- The facility has reported 45 COVID-19 cases resulting in deaths and hospitalizations since March
- The second and final dose will be administered in three weeks
The facility had a vaccine distribution of 145 doses for its first round.
Among those who were receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was John Lal and his wife, Eunice Lal. Both did not have any hesitation about receiving the vaccine, except for maybe the pain, they said, adding that is why they lean on each other.
"She's feeling okay. She is saying maybe at nighttime it will it bother her," he said.
The vast majority of residents and workers who live on campus agreed to receive the vaccine – giving them their best chance at having a normal life again.
"If we have one more [dose], then we don't have to worry. We can go get a haircut, mingle, shopping so we'll be free," John Lal said.
The facility keeps track of its own coronavirus numbers. Since March, there have been 45 positive cases resulting in deaths and hospitalizations. Regional Director Jeff Brown said this represents almost a quarter of the people living on campus.
"It's very sad and very hard to deal with. We've done everything we possibly could with our protocols," Brown said.
In three weeks, John and Eunice Lal will get the second and final dose.
"It's better to be vaccinated than without," John Lal said.
It is their best shot at freedom.