An IU Health frontline worker became the first person to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Bloomington Friday morning.
IU Health Medical Assistant Zaira Hernandez was among dozens to receive the shot, as the first batch of vaccine vials arrived at the hospital.
“We wear a lot of PPE which is helpful, and we are so thankful to have that PPE, but this is just an extra barrier,” said Hernandez after getting the shot.
Hernandez has been caring for COVID-19 patients since the pandemic began.
All of the vaccines require two shots three weeks apart. After the second shot, it takes about three weeks to be fully protected.
IU Health Bloomington received 1,950 doses of the vaccine and IU Health in Paoli got 975. Another shipment of vaccines is expected next week.
“We are going to fill up all of the slots with all of our frontline health care workers, and that’s not just IU Health, but it’s other hospitals, long term care facilities,” said IU Health Director of the South Central Region Brian Shockney.
Shockney said it could be mid-January before the vaccine is available to the general public.
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