Shell Point residents get long-awaited vaccine shots

Seniors living at Shell Point Retirement Community in Iona have been looking forward to getting their COVID-19 vaccines for months, proving how important it is to protect our most vulnerable who live in close quarters.

Now, they’re feeling an overwhelming sense of relief.

Church brings people together, but COVID-19 has made that a little tough.

“I’m a part-time pastor at the church here. Our programs have been severely impacted by the inability to meet normally,” said Pastor David Pavey.

The church at Shell Point brought people together once again, but Pavey didn’t come to preach. He came for his shot – along with 900 of his very grateful neighbors.

“It’s been a pretty difficult year. Then my wife went into surgery and never came out of it. So that was another shock. So… quite a year. Ready for a new one. So far, so good,” Pavey said.

Church also brings people hope, much like that golden shot in the arm seems to.

“It really meant everything to us,” said Linda Nickerson.

“It will just be nice to get back to a normal life. Nobody’s had a normal life,” said Carmine Lamma.

“It’s the first time I ever wanted to get a shot! Haha. And I’m 80 years old, it’s the first time I was ever happy to get a shot,” said Ann Wharton.

The virus took a lot away from a lot of people, like Pavey, who said he would like to travel again, and Trice Vangroesbeck, who wants to be able to hug people.

“We can’t go and hug our good friends … it’s such a void because we need physical contact.”

But with a little bit of faith and a little shot in the arm, COVID-19 sure can’t take hope away from the people at Shell Point.

“I feel fortunate, I feel blessed,” Pavey said.

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RESOURCE: WINK News is working by the minute on a daily basis to bring our coverage areas in Southwest Florida the latest COVID-19 vaccine information from the counties you live in.

Visit our COVID-19 vaccine schedules and information for SWFL story for rolling vaccine updates.