The South Omaha community has been hit hard by COVID-19, but today there's a bit of relief. The Douglas County Health Department and community health partners held a vaccine clinic for those 75 and older at the Salvation Army's Kroc Center.
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) - It's an injection of relief that Omaha seniors are feeling.
"I've got a couple of issues health-wise and so, first time I had the opportunity I took it, it's great," resident Tom Lauritsen said.
Jackie Eubanks is feeling appreciative.
"We've been like hermits, my husband was very sick with it, he had gotten COVID and he was really sick with it," Eubanks said. "Thank God he recovered."
Tom Lauritsen has faced a heart attack and prostate cancer. Like many, he is dealing with the cards he has been dealt.
"It's difficult but I've decided long ago I wanted to live my life as vibrantly as I could," Lauritsen said.
Douglas County Health Department spokesman Phil Rooney said this is one way to make life easier for our elderly community, especially in a part of the city that's been hit hard by the pandemic. This is the first vaccine clinic of its kind in South Omaha.
"Age, cultural barriers, there's certain people who have a mistrust of government, especially if you are talking about the immigrant population sometimes throughout the community, but this has been the traditional landing spot for immigrants," Rooney said.
For residents, the vaccine will bring a much-needed dose of normal back; a place everyone is eager to get to.
"Undescribable," Eubanks said. "Undescribable. Just, I can't wait."
There will be another vaccination clinic at the Kroc Center on Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
People can register by visiting www.douglascountyhealth.com or by calling 402-444-3400.
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