SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Residents at Merrill Gardens Senior Living in Bankers Hill enjoyed a different kind of beach day worthy of a celebration.
Wednesday, staff members dressed as lifeguards, a large sandcastle was set up, and residents enjoyed snow cones, all part of the “Guarding our lives” themed vaccination clinic put on by the center.
“Everybody talks about the fun we had rather than the vaccine,” said resident Lora Allen. “We’ve been quarantined for a year, and life is short at this point, so we’d like to get out.”
Second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given to residents and staff, a long-awaited step back to normalcy. For resident Virginia Tamburo, who is in her 90s, that means possibly seeing her family soon.
“Get together with my children and have a nice dinner. Always look at the bright side,” said Tamburo.
ABC 10News has heard from viewers across the county concerned that they would not get their second dose in time. Many have spent hours in front of their computers, trying to figure it all out.
This week, ABC 10News received updates from many of those viewers who finally received their second dose, including some who had their appointments delayed by a week at the Petco Park vaccination super station.
“Just puts my mind at ease,” said Bruce Wolski, who contacted ABC 10News when he was worried he wouldn’t get his shot in time.
Tuesday, he received his second dose at the South Bay vaccination super station that Sharp Healthcare handles in Chula Vista.
“Every person in there, I just can’t say how nice they were,” he said. “I’m super happy to have it out of the way, glad I don’t have to worry about it anymore.”
After getting fully vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people continue wearing masks, washing their hands, social distancing, avoiding crowds, and avoiding poorly ventilated spaces.
For Bruce, that’s fine. He doesn’t plan to change things up much, he’s just grateful to be protected.
“I’m super happy to have it out of the way, glad I don’t have to worry about it anymore,” he said.