WACO, TX — The three-day vaccine clinic wrapped up in Waco Thursday, distributing nearly 1,500 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Ferrell Foster was one of the lucky few that received their first dose. Over the age of 65 and living with asthma, he fell under Phase 1B. Although for awhile, he was confused when he would get a chance to receive his vaccine.
"You didn't want to step forward too quickly. You wanted the people most in need to get it. Do you contact your pharmacy? Who do you contact?" Foster said.
If Waco had not been designated a vaccination hub by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Foster isn't sure if he would have had an opportunity otherwise.
He says he was able to quickly sign up and received his first shot on Tuesday.
"It was really wonderfully organized. They had us show up, got us in there quickly, and I couldn't be more impressed with how they did it," Foster said.
With success also comes challenges. For starters, the City saw challenges in registration.
"A lot of people didn't get the information until after the site was already closed," said Kelly Craine with the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District.
Moving forward, officials say they want to give a bigger window of time for those to prepare.
"We're going to give everyone at least 24 hours in advance, and that's important as a lot of people get their information though the news," Craine said.
They're also working with many organizations around the county to ensure those who don't have the means to sign up online or over the phone can do so with ease.
Since getting the vaccine, Foster says some soreness in his arm came as a side effect, but so did a sense of accomplishment.
"We do lots of things in which there's a little bit of risk. Every time we get in the car, there's a little bit of risk. There's very little risk in getting a vaccine," he said.
Scheduled to receive his second dose the beginning of February, Foster still plans to follow all CDC and city guidelines.
"I will continue to wear a mask and do everything I can because it's not just about keeping me healthy. I want to keep neighbors healthy," Foster said.
With the first round of vaccinations being a success, Craine says when they receive more, they'll be able to vaccinate more than 500 people per day.
"We can be more efficient. We can push more people through there and give more opportunities," Craine said.. "That's exciting too to think that we're not limited at the end of the day. We can do more."
Regarding those needing their second dose of the Moderna vaccine, after receiving their first at the three-day clinic, Craine says to be patient.
You will receive an email, phone call or text with information about when and how to get that second dose, but that information won't be sent out until you're closer to the date of being able to get it.
Foster is now looking toward the future and hopes for a better tomorrow after taking a shot in the arm.
"I want to be able to get out and enjoy Waco business wise, entertainment wise and everything, and I see this as a step in that direction," he said.
