COVID-19, Gerber Memorial Hospital

Gerber Memorial celebrates 5,000th dose of COVID-19 vaccine

May 22, 2021

Fremont, Mich., May 21, 2021 – For Olivia Smith of Hesperia, the COVID-19 was about protecting herself and, just as importantly, her family.

So, when she showed up at Gerber Memorial’s community vaccine clinic above the Multispecialty Clinic on Thursday, May 20, she thought she’d go in for her second shot and head home. She didn’t think she’d spend her 15 minutes of observation for any adverse effects eating cake and helping Gerber Memorial’s vaccination team celebrate a landmark occasion.

Smith was the recipient of the 5,000^th dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Gerber memorial since the hospital began vaccinating staff and community members on Dec. 23, 2020.

“I’m doing this for my family,” Smith said. “I live at home and I have a few people in my family who have auto-immune deficiencies, so I want to make sure they’re safe.”

Nurse Sonya Ream, RN, who administered the dose for Smith, joined her for cake during her observation, when people who have just been vaccinated are monitored for adverse side effects.

“How did you handle the first shot?” Ream asked Smith earlier as she was preparing to vaccinate her.

“I think I barely had any side effects at all,” Smith, 25, said.

The Gerber Memorial team celebrated the milestone as a show of gratitude to all the people who have been vaccinated so far – and who choose to do so in the near future.

“Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is excited to have offered COVID-19 vaccines to our community,” said Gerber Memorial Director of Nursing Angie Frye, RN. “Getting vaccinated means protecting your health and the health of your loved ones, and we are very grateful to the thousands of people who have chosen to get vaccinated in our community. For individuals who choose to get vaccinated, they can now do so easily at their Spectrum Health primary care provider clinic, with medical professionals they know and trust. We know many folks have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and want more information. Offering COVID-19 vaccinations at provider offices gives individuals the ability to ask questions in person and make the decision that’s right for them and their families.”

Smith is hoping to convince those closest to her to also get vaccinated.

“I’m trying to get them to,” Smith said. “I tell them vaccinations are a good thing. It’s all about safety.”

Gerber Memorial has held 29 vaccination clinics for the community. The next community clinic is June 10.

To make getting vaccinated even easier and more convenient, Spectrum Health is now offering vaccinations at family medicine clinics, walk-in clinics and urgent care locations. The Pfizer/Biotech vaccine is authorized for use in people ages 12 and up. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for use in people ages 18 and up. Both vaccines require two doses. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is authorized for use in people ages 18 and older and requires one dose.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

Contact:
Azlan Ibrahim
Communications Manager
Office: 231.924.1264
Mobile: 616.227-1940
Email: azlan.ibrahim@spectrumhealth.org