By Sara Paul
In March 2019, retired dairy farmer Alan House, Sr., like many people, was struck with a sudden pang of terror.
“My biggest fear was getting COVID-19 and dying from it,” commented House, who quickly became nervous that normal activities like going out with friends and attending church were off limits.
Now, almost 10 months after the beginning of the pandemic, on Mon., Jan. 11, lifelong Warwick resident Alan House and his daughter-in-law Amy House received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccination at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY. Both individuals qualified under Phase 1b guidelines as Al is over 65 and Amy is part of a school staff.
With mild reactions such as headaches, tiredness and mild arm soreness, both Al, 84 years young, and Amy, a speech pathologist for Orange-Ulster BOCES, are doing well.
“Be considerate of others, wear masks and practice social distancing. Keep your faith in God and your mind occupied. Let’s hope for a better 2021,” said Alan, a lifelong member of the New-Milford-Edenville Methodist Church and member of the Golden Floridians.
Both Amy and Alan look forward to their scheduled second round of shots next month.
“I had some concerns, but thought it would be better to get the vaccine than to not,” said Alan, who worked at his family’s dairy farm, Eden Valley Farm in Edenville for more than 50 years.
“I feel really lucky that we got the vaccine, and that we didn’t have to wait,” added 42-year-old Warwick resident Amy, who found out about the availability through Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus’s Facebook page.
Amy acknowledged that, “There is a fear about vaccines, but I am pro-vaccine. I get a flu shot every year, and with the risk of COVID, I would 100% recommend getting the vaccine… but everyone has to make their own decision.”
She reports that it did take multiple attempts to make the appointment as there were some technological glitches, however, on the day of the visit, both she and her father-in-law were in and out in a little over an hour.
At this time, residents in Phase 1A and 1B of the State’s Phased Distribution Plan are eligible to be vaccinated. The current vaccine supply is very limited. Eligible residents should anticipate it may be several weeks before they can get an appointment.
Appointments must currently be made through a state-operated online registration system. New York State’s COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline, 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829), is available to make appointments at New York State-run vaccination sites.
Amy House (left) & her father-in-law, Alan House, Sr. received their first round of the COVID-19 vaccination on Mon., Jan. 11.
Before the pandemic, Alan House, Sr. celebrated a new year several years ago with his dog, Annie, & grandchildren, Ava & James.
