George Wanna, MD, Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai and Mount Sinai Beth Israel, was among the first employees to receive the vaccine.
When asked why he decided to get the vaccine he said, “I took the vaccine because I believe in science and in all the research that has been done.”
Other employees at NYEE agreed and said they were excited to receive the vaccine.
“I had COVID-19 in March 2020; my then-partner did not contract it from me, despite our close living quarters,” said Ellen M. Bonjorno, CPhT, a Pharmacy Technician at NYEE. “She and I were to be married in a big wedding on Memorial Day weekend, but were forced to change plans, and ended up being married on July 17, 2020, in a small outdoor ceremony attended by 12 of our local loved ones. I am especially happy to have my first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on board to help protect my (now) wife from ever becoming infected. We’re both over 60, so especially important to us. Hoping for a return to normalcy, and being able to hopefully take our previously planned European honeymoon in 2021.”
Jeanette Robles, Patient Coordinator in the Admitting Department at NYEE, said, “I got the vaccine for my family, some who have pre-existing conditions. We have been practicing social distancing since the pandemic started. I want to be able to hug my nieces someday soon.” She added: “I received the vaccine and I feel great. I’m not telling my family yet. Hopefully they will have an opportunity to get the vaccine soon. Then, I plan to tell them I already got the vaccine so they know how easy it was.”
Michele Miller, BSN, RN, CNOR, a Nurse Manager at NYEE, said, “As an essential health care provider, I felt it necessary to get the COVID-19 vaccine to help eradicate this virus and tackle this current deadly global health care crisis. We are fortunate enough to live in a country that uses evidenced-based science to develop ways to heal and protect the human race. The development of this vaccine is truly a remarkable scientific gift.”
Gene Harrison, Associate Director, Operations and Infrastructure Information Technology at NYEE, said, “As someone who works in health care, I believe it is critical that we set the example to show that these vaccines are safe and effective.”
Lauren Kaplan, AuD, CCC-A, a Pediatric Audiologist at the Ear Institute at NYEE said, “I decided to get the COVID-19 vaccine because I believe in the power of science. Although not an instant ticket back to pre-COVID ways of life, the vaccine is the first big step in that direction, and I want to be part of the solution. To me, the benefits outweigh the risks.”