Haywood Regional Medical Center Administers First COVID-19 Vaccines to Healthcare Workers

Today, Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) administered the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to its healthcare workers.

Susan Wynne, RN, raised her hand to receive the first dose. “I have said ever since we’ve talked about a COVID-19 vaccine that I wanted to be first in line, and they took me at my word,” Wynne shared. “They called me Tuesday to see if I was serious – I said absolutely. So here I am.” When asked about the importance of the vaccine, for healthcare workers in particular, she said, “I think that we’re front line, we are [at risk of being] exposed and we need to slow the spread.”

Since this morning, others have opted into the vaccine, including Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit workers on the frontlines of COVID-19 patient care. Eric Zickerman, DO, a doctor in the ER, said one of the reasons he’s taking the vaccine is to protect his family: “My wife’s not medical, and she’s thrilled that I’ll be more protected at work. This is a big day.”

“This has been an incredible team effort locally,” said Greg Caples, CEO, “and I want to commend our staff – for staying the course through the pandemic and now for helping this vaccination process run smoothly. It is a very exciting time for science, healthcare and our country.”

Vaccines will continue at Haywood Regional Medical Center for employees, prioritizing as per guidance from the CDC, federal government, and the state of North Carolina. This vaccine allotment is not available for the public at this time, but, once the vaccine becomes more broadly available, we will encourage our community to get vaccinated.