Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 19, 2021 Malden Seniors, at long last, receive first dose of vaccine By Tara Vocino A pproximately 522 seniors (75 years and older) received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine against the Coronavirus at Salemwood School on Wednesday. “For so long, there wasn’t anything people could do, except wear masks and social distance,” Public Health Nurse Maria Tamagna said. “Everyone is excited that perhaps the end is in sight, although we have to remain steadfast until then.” Tamagna said she’s grateful for Mystic Valley Elder Services and school nurses who volunteered their time, making the vaccinations smooth and orderly. Pictured in the top row, from left to right, are Malden Health Inspector Elsa Zhao, Malden Public Schools Nursing Director Patti Tramondozzi, Malden High School Nurse Maureen Vona, Malden High School Nurse Kathy Donahue, retired Salemwood School Nurse Cathy Donoghue, Public Health Director Christopher Webb, Donna DiPersio RN, Malden Addiction Recovery Resource Specialist Paul Hammersley, Board of Health Clerk Peter Finn and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Nurse Darci Walcott. Pictured in the bottom row, from left to right, are Boston Medical Center Nurse May Au, Nurse Nikki O’Callaghan and City Nurse Maria Tamagna. At Salemwood School on Wednesday, Salem Street resident Lin Wei Sen, 79, said he is happy that the government cares about elders as he received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine from Nurse Nikki O’Callaghan. As Mystic Valley Elder Services Assistant Nurse Manager Lisa Jimenez, RN, administered the vaccine, Newman Road resident Donald Devoe said he plans on isolating himself until he receives the next dose of the vaccine. Lisa Jimenez, RN gave a shot to Suffolk Street resident Wei Huang, who said he didn’t feel any pain when receiving the shot. Lorraine Walsh – retired Executive Assistant for former Mayor Thomas Fallon – who lives on Salem Street, said Malden High School Nurse Kathy Donahue “knows just how to do it.” Harvard Street resident Robert Lane, 71, said the shot gave him a little relief. City Nurse Maria Tamagna filled the syringe, drawing the vaccine. Malden Public Schools Nursing Director Patti Tramondozzi, RN, gave the shot to Joseph Carella, who said he wasn’t sore after receiving the first dose. Board of Health Clerk Peter Finn and Addiction Recovery Resource Specialist Paul Hammersley checked in approximately 522 seniors.
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