90 Seniors Get Second Vaccine Doses at Ladrey Senior Highrise in Old Town

A number of residents of the Ladrey Senior Highrise Apartments in Old Town received their second doses of the coronavirus vaccine on Saturday.

Delores Tyler was one of about 90 residents who got her second shot.

“I was nervous a little bit, but I said no, I’ll go ahead and take it,” Tyler said. “We also are so appreciative that they were able to come to us. It made it so convenient and now I feel safer.”

The first doses were administered last month to the residents in the complex, which is managed by the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

The shots were facilitated by the Alexandria Health Department and administered over the course of three hours by pharmacists from VanDorn Pharmacy in the Ladrey community room at 300 Wythe Street. Some residents who were hesitant to get the vaccine will be visited by the pharmacists to get inoculated over the next several weeks.

“I’ve known a couple people that had the virus, and they were saying how bad it was,” said resident Caroleather Brown. “I feel a little more comfortable going out now.”

ARHA CEO Keith Pettigrew thanked the health department for the help. The nonprofit is reportedly reaching out to seniors at its other sites on vaccination eligibility.

“We wanted our seniors at Ladrey vaccinated as quickly and conveniently as possible to ensure they are safe and protected,” said Pettigrew. “Since the beginning of the pandemic we have implemented several policies, including limiting the number of visitors allowed in the building, to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. This vaccination POD (point of dispensing) event was an extension of that policy. I feel grateful to our partners, and particularly Dr. Stephen Hearing, AHD’s Director, who helped us coordinate this service.”

Virginia is currently in Phase 1B, which allows anyone 65 and older to get prioritized for the vaccine. Also included are essential workers, such as police, fire and EMS officials, Alexandria City Public Schools staff and people ages 16 and older with underlying medical conditions.

In Alexandria, there is also a long waiting list for eligible residents to get vaccinated.

As of last Friday, 17,099 residents have received at least one dose and 5,799 residents have been fully vaccinated. Residents can pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine in Alexandria here.

Photo via ARHA