San Diego Senior Care Services Resident to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

A senior care services facility in Bankers Hill is among the first in San Diego County to vaccinate its residents and employees. ABC 10 news reporter Marie Cornell introduces us to the first person in line. 

Eldon Thompson: Oh yeah, I'm ready for it. That's that's totally. 

Marie Cornell: Eldon Thompson. Couldn't wait to get his COVID-19 vaccine.

He was so excited. He volunteered to be the first one among the group at the St. Paul's skilled nursing facility. Eldon says he didn't have any doubts about getting it, but he was worried about catching the virus. 

Eldon Thompson: Yeah, I'm scared because of my age, 79 years old, you know what I'm saying? Some young people younger than me, they're failing.

Marie Cornell:  Cheryl Wilson as the CEO for St. Paul senior services, which runs senior independent living,  Senior Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities and senior day programs in San Diego County. She calls it a blessing. St. Paul’s was able to partner with CVS to be among the first skilled nursing facilities in the County to get their residents vaccinated through CVS is 12-week vaccination program, 45 of their residents and 95 members of their staff will get vaccinated Wednesday.

Cheryl Wilson: Any of these seniors went through the vaccines for the polio pandemic back in the fifties. So, they understand how incredibly important this is. And what a difference it can make in the life of every American and everybody really around the world. 

Marie Cornell: Cheryl says, though, there are employees that have chosen not to participate in this vaccination clinic.

Many have plans to get their vaccine on January 20th. When the second dose is scheduled to be given. Either way, she believes this is the light at the end of the tunnel many have been waiting for.

Cheryl Wilson:  This is the first shot. This is the beginning of this journey to become COVID free.