Jan 12, 2021 Reporting from Niles, MI
Steps towards hope - Ruth Patzkowsky
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/how-we-compare/our-patients/Detail/at-96-i-got-my-covid-19-vaccine/?utm_source=Steps_towards_hope_&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Jan 12, 2021
Jan 12, 2021
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Ruth Patzkowsky, 96-year-old resident of St. Joseph, received her first dose of COVID-19 during a community clinic offering limited vaccine appointments to those in the next phase of eligibility
When Ruth's nephew learned the State of Michigan
Steps towards hope - Ruth Patzkowsky
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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Steps towards hope - Ruth Patzkowsky
Jan, 2021
Ruth Patzkowsky, 96-year-old resident of St. Joseph, received her first dose of COVID-19 during a community clinic offering limited vaccine appointments to those in the next phase of eligibility
When Ruth's nephew learned the State of Michigan would begin scheduling vaccine appointments for those 65 years and older he encouraged her to sign up right away and get scheduled for an appointment.
"He told me that he wanted to make sure I'm around for more years to come," said Ruth.
As COVID-19 cases began to rise in Berrien County, and after suffering a shoulder injury, Ruth was saddened to give up some of her favorite hobbies such as bowling and golfing. She hopes when the vaccine is widely available in the community that she can begin enjoying her life again.
While cooperative planning for vaccination has been underway for months, the Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) and Spectrum Health Lakeland are working collaboratively to provide COVID-19 vaccines as quickly as possible to all those who are eligible and interested throughout the community. Because quantities of the vaccine are still very limited — and will be for the foreseeable future — the joint approach prioritizes the highest-risk populations for severe COVID-19 illness due to risk factors, such as age, or exposure due to occupation.
“If a quick poke in the arm means I can hopefully get back to my life, I’ll do it,” said Ruth. “It felt like I was getting my regular flu shot.”
Interested in signing up the COVID-19 vaccine?
The most efficient way to indicate interest in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is to complete the pre-registration wait list available on the Berrien County Health Department website (for those over the age of 65 and employers of essential workers) or complete the survey available via Lakeland MyChart located under “questionnaires” in the My Record section. People are encouraged to assist family and friends without internet access or email with the online pre-registration and waitlist process if possible. Please note: completing either vaccine survey does not mean individuals will be scheduled for an appointment immediately.
To learn more or get updates on the COVID-19 vaccine in our community visit the Spectrum Health Lakeland COVID-19 vaccine information center at spectrumhealthlakeland.org/vaccine
At 96 years old, Ruth receives her first dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Members of the community receive a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Alongside his wife, Grace, Raymond Goodman received a COVID-19 vaccine during the first community clinic. The couple, who married in 1950, sat feet apart as their shots were administered.