‘I can’t wait to get back to normal’ | Individuals share their reasons for getting the COVID-19 vaccine

Tidelands Health creates online site to share positive vaccination stories

To see their grandkids.

To attend church.

To have a meal in a restaurant.

Simply, to stay healthy.

For those and many more reasons, individuals in Phase 1a of the state’s vaccination distribution plan are celebrating when they receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at designated, by-appointment-only Tidelands Health vaccine clinics in Georgetown and Murrells Inlet.

“Basically, I got the vaccine because I am tired of staying home all the time. I would like to be able to go out and live again,” said Mary Bollman of Murrells Inlet, who was all smiles after receiving the first dose of the vaccine in Murrells Inlet on Jan. 20. “I can’t wait to get back to normal.”

Huey Cole of Myrtle Beach got the vaccine to protect his health.

“I just think us older folks should take advantage of this opportunity because it can save our lives,” he said.

With so many stories of hope and celebration after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, Tidelands Health has created a dedicated section on tidelandshealth.org to share these uplifting feelings and moments. Individuals who have received the vaccine can share their story – why they chose to receive the vaccine, what’s first on their to-do list after receiving the two-dose vaccine and more. They also can share encouraging words for Tidelands Health team members who are working the front lines at hospitals, vaccine clinics, outpatient locations and more.

“The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine has given us all hope and a renewed energy in this nearly year-long battle with a deadly virus,” said Amy Stevens, the health system’s vice president of marketing and communications. “We’re capturing and sharing these stories to mark this pivotal moment and to be reminded that we are working toward better days with every dose of vaccine that is administered.”

As of Friday afternoon, Tidelands Health has administered vaccine to nearly 7,000 people 70 and older. Nearly 30,000 additional Phase 1a individuals have requested the vaccine, and the health system is scheduling appointments as quickly as vaccine supply allows.

“We know our community is eager to receive the vaccine, and we are eager to give it,” Stevens said. “As we receive vaccine supply from the government each week, we are immediately scheduling appointments to administer vaccine as quickly as possible. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this process.”

Individuals who have received the COVID-19 vaccine and would like to share their story can do so at tidelandshealth.org/vaccinestory.