Seniors to get 2nd dose of vaccine

WEST CHESTER >> With a COVID-19 “playlist” featuring songs like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar and “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross, The Watermark at Bellingham, a West Chester retirement community, is planning to make its upcoming COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Wednesday, Feb. 24, a celebration. The on-site clinic by Omnicare/ CVS is scheduled to begin around 10 a.m. and run until 3 p.m.

“I thought the playlist would be a fun way to represent what this day means for our residents, who will have more freedom to enjoy life here thanks to the protection and peace of mind they’ll gain from the vaccine,” said Community Life Director Heidi Jenkins. “We’ll also have residents share messages through signs that read, ‘I’m crushing it,’ ‘We are all in this together,’ and more,” she added.

After Wednesday’s clinic, about 90 percent of The Watermark at Bellingham’s residents will have received both doses of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine. Just over 100 independent living residents will receive their second dose on Feb. 24, and a handful who missed the community’s first clinic will receive their initial shot. Residents from other parts of the community, as well as some associates, will also receive either first or second doses depending on their participation in previous clinics.

Excitement is high for this second-dose clinic, especially among independent living residents who initially moved to the community to enjoy a range of activities and amenities, in addition to friendships.

“I just want hugs,” said one resident about post-vaccine life. Others said they’re looking forward to the community’s popular “dance walking class” resuming, as well as heading back out on the road for excursions throughout the region. Another resident said he “can’t wait to sit closer to his friends at dinner and have conversations.”