AURORA, Colo. — The time has come for educators and the 65 and older group to get their turn. Colorado administered 29,000 doses of the vaccine today, and many went directly into the arms of teachers.
"Relief, excitement, nerves a little bit," said Kelly Osuna, a Spanish teacher at Overland High School.
At a parking garage in Aurora, Stride Community Health administered 230 COVID-19 vaccines — some to the 65 and older crew, but a majority were educators. Most were from Overland High School, including Principal Aleshia Armour. She was one of the first to get vaccinated Tuesday morning.
"Anytime there’s something new or anytime you’re the first in line, I think there’s nervousness and anxiety, but I feel good," Armour said. "I’m excited. I feel like we have a light at the end of the tunnel for us."
Like Osuna, Armour felt it was important to lead by example for their students.
"We’ve been having conversations with our community, Tri-County and our staff for sometime about vaccines and conversations about trust with the medical community, especially with people of color," Armour said. "So for me, to see this all come to pass, I’m sure this is a moment that will last in my mind forever, that this is saving lives."
Denver Health is waiting until Saturday for a mass vaccination of educators. Tuesday was focused on the 65 and up group, who are also now eligible in the 1B.2 section. Folks like 68-year-old Mike Monar received their first dose today.
"I think anybody who can get the vaccine should get it as soon as they can," Monar said.