Catawba County's First COVID-19 Vaccinations Take Place at CVMC

Today, Tuesday, December 15, was a very exciting day at Catawba Valley Health System. As one of the first 11 recipients of the vaccine in North Carolina, we received our initial shipment of vaccines for COVID-19 at 9:14 am today following months of preparation. And we are proud to announce that just after 2 p.m., we vaccinated the first six people in Catawba County:

• Courtney Casey, a Registered Nurse in our Medical and Emergency Departments
• Dr. Phil Greene, Chief of Staff and Hospitalist
• Angie Gryder, microbiology section coordinator
• Michael McDonald, a Critical Care Registered Nurse
• Mai Xiong, a medication reconciliation pharmacy technician
• Stephanie Chapman, a Registered Nurse leading the Medical-Surgical Departments

These front-line staff have cared for hundreds of COVID-19 patients during the course of the pandemic and today’s first vaccines provide a small ray of light.

One of our first recipients, Dr. Phil Greene, noted, “The importance of the vaccine can’t be overstated. It’s going to take the community coming together to help solve the problem. Being vaccinated is an important first step.”

While our vaccinated staff will continue to follow all precautions, the vaccine provides a great sense of relief. Mai Xiong encouraged her colleagues to vaccinate as soon as they are offered the opportunity, noting, “We have seen first-hand what this virus can do to our families and our community. I am so excited to be among the first to receive the vaccine and I hope everyone will see this as an effective way of overcoming its devastating effects.”

Over the next several weeks, CVHS staff will continue to work tirelessly to vaccinate our employees and medical staff. President and CEO, Eddie Beard, noted, “Across my entire career, I never imagined a year like this. But today is a special moment of hope and I am optimistic that this long fight in the Covid-19 pandemic may be nearing its end.”

Anna Seagle, RPh, of the CVMC Pharmacy Department said “it was an honor” to administer the first vaccines.