Kim Bowman has been living in fear since COVID-19 began ravaging the nation in the spring of 2020. The 67-year-old Butler County resident has congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes – conditions that increased her risk of a serious outcome should she be diagnosed with the coronavirus.
“My heart doctor had told me that if I got it, it would do me in with everything I’ve got wrong,’’ said Bowman, who received her second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at a mass vaccination event Friday at the Black River Coliseum in downtown Poplar Bluff.
“That’s why I got out and drove on ice, because I wanted it so bad,’’ she said. “I was tired of not seeing my family, staying home all the time ... just me and my dog. I didn’t get to have Thanksgiving with my family or Christmas.’’
Bowman was one of about 2,100 Butler County residents who qualified for Friday’s free vaccine program — the 28th mass vaccination to be held in Missouri since state officials began distributing the Pfizer vaccine, according to Robbie Myers, director of Butler County Emergency Management. It was the first mass clinic for residents in the state to receive the second-dose of the vaccine.
The first event was held in Poplar Bluff from Jan. 22-23 at the Hydro Adventures water park. But problems with registration and check ins for the event resulted in long wait times for residents who showed up to receive their first dose of the vaccine. In contrast, organizers say Friday’s event went smoothly as citizens arrived in a steady stream from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for scheduled appointments.
“I think everybody’s pretty, you know, grateful that we’re putting this on for them,’’ said Emily Goodin, 42, administrator of Butler County Health Department. “It’s a lot quicker process than the last time, our drive-through event. This is by appointment ... so I think that helps out a lot.’’
“Everybody is suffering from COVID stress,’’ said Steve Boyers, 63, owner of BOYCOM Cablevision, Inc., servicing Butler, Wayne, Carter and Ripley counties in Southeast Missouri, who received his second dose of the vaccine Friday. “And I think this helps everybody going forward.’’
Boyers said he has had several older friends with underlying medical conditions die from COVID-19. He qualified for the vaccine because of an unspecified health condition. He said the only side effect from his first shot was ‘’an achy arm.’’
Kim Shackleford, 48, the director of nursing education at Three Rivers College, manned one of 15 vaccination stations inside the Coliseum Friday. She said participants “were pleased with the way the event has been coordinated. There have been short wait times.’’
Though student nurses did not participate in Friday’s mass vaccination, they did help out at the county’s earlier event.
“They felt like it was a good learning opportunity, obviously, because they got to practice their skills,’’ Shackleford said. “They thought they learned a lot from it.’’
The vaccine, which Pfizer claims is 95 percent effective at protecting vaccine-takers from mild to severe coronavirus, will enable those most at-risk to resume their lives more as they were before coronavirus was officially designated a pandemic.
“I get to see my family,’’ said Bowman, who is looking forward to spending more time with her daughter and three grandchildren. “But I will be sure to keep my mask on and social distance, and do like I was, but not being so scared of getting COVID ... I am missing hugs so bad.’’
The mass vaccination was coordinated between the Butler County Health Department, the Missouri National Guard and Butler County Emergency Management. Employees of the Three Rivers College nursing program as well as the Popular Bluff Regional Medical Center were on hand to administer the vaccines.
Goodin said the health department is trying to arrange a time to accommodate citizens who were unable to attend Friday’s event due to inclement weather or other scheduling conflicts. The Pfizer vaccine used Friday is good for only five days after it is thawed, which was Thursday. The health department is working to make sure all of the doses from Friday’s events are used.
Another first dose, mass vaccination event will be held Wednesday at the Black River Coliseum. Residents need to register on the state’s COVID-19 vaccine website, https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/navigator/. Those who meet current vaccination guidelines will receive a link to register, after signing up on the state website.
Missouri residents without internet access can also call 877-435-8411 to sign up for the state’s vaccine program.
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