First St. Joseph Health-Humboldt County caregiver receives first Covid-19 vaccine

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EUREKA, Calif. (KIEM) — The first caregiver of St. Joseph Health-Humboldt County, which includes St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka and Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna, received his first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine Thursday morning. Emergency department nurse at Redwood Memorial Hospital, Ryan Samuelson

“You know, I’m not normally an emotional guy, but it feels really good to finally see the end of this. It’s been a lot of hardship for a lot of people and it’s changed everyone’s lives. I’m happy to see hopefully the beginning of the end, and kind of the return to the normalcy that we all remember,” Samuelson says.

The entire time, his 4 year old daughter was right by his side.

“I really wanted her to see me get the vaccination. You know I wanted her to be there to see it, and see that it’s okay,” Samuelson adds.

All caregivers and hospital staff filled out an online form listing where they work and what job they have, any personal risk factors they may have, and whether or not they want to receive the vaccine. Who receives the first doses is based on those responses.

“Certainly healthcare workers who are on the front lines and the most risky areas for Covid are prioritized within the organization,” according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Travis Sewalls.

Forty caregivers received vaccine Thursday. The goal is to vaccinate 40 more on Friday and between 100 and 150 people over the course of next Monday and Tuesday.

“This is an exciting day for Humboldt County, as it is across the country to start the vaccination program. The vaccination program is very important as one other tool we have to fight Covid-19,” Sewalls adds.

Dr. Sewalls says they are set to receive a second shipment of the Pfizer vaccine sometime next week. They are also anticipating the arrival of the Moderna vaccine once it receives FDA authorization.