VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Good Samaritan Hospital reported it administered its 10,000th dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Monday at 3:30 p.m. The dose went to 74-year-old Joe Hale of Sullivan, Ind., who was there for his first dose of the vaccine. Hale and his wife, Judith, booked appointments for the vaccine together. She was number 9,999.
When Hale found out he was receiving the 10,000th dose and would be getting pictures taken, he said he felt like a “celebrity.” As he made his way to the vaccination area, Hale was stopped to get a picture with a special balloon display and then workers from the clinic joined him for a group picture to celebrate the milestone.
Hale said he was thrilled to get the vaccine, especially since he had the virus just six weeks ago. “I feel a little safer, and hopefully it will turn out to be the factor of me not getting it again,” he said. His advice to others about getting the vaccine, “Get it done. I think they would be smart if they got their COVID vaccine. It didn’t hurt at all.”
The Good Samaritan vaccine clinic is administering around 350 vaccines per day, six days a week. Current Indiana vaccine eligibility includes those 65 years of age and older, healthcare workers, first responders and those who handle COVID-19 infectious material. To learn more or to register for the vaccine, visit ourshot.in.gov or call 211.
