Springfield nurse receives the first COVID-19 vaccine in the Miami Valley

SPRINGFIELD — A nurse at Mercy Health in Springfield is the first person in the Miami Valley to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

Jennifer Kunkle is a nurse in the cardiovascular ICU unit.

“It means hope, and I hope to be a good example to my community and my family. the efficacy of it has been proven and I hope others will share in getting it too,” said Kunkle.

Jeanne Peabody, registered nurse & coordinator of the transcatheter aortic valve replacement, was one of the first 25 employees to be vaccinated.

“I think it’s gonna be worth it in the end. and I think if everybody does their part, it’s going to help the community,” explained Peabody.

Kasi Gardner was vaccinated live during Gov. DeWine’s press conference.

Gardner has also had the opportunity to work in one of the hospital’s COVID units.

“I just didn’t want to inadvertently cause someone else to get it when I can vaccinate myself,” explained Gardner.

Gardner encouraged people in the community to talk with their primary care doctor about any reservations they have about the vaccine if they’re thinking about getting it

Beginning tomorrow, the hospital plans to give 300 vaccinations per day and should be able to administer all 975 doses within four days.

Cox Media Group