More Vaccines Brought To Another Church In Vernon

VERNON, CT — The town of Vernon's traveling coronavirus vaccine roadshow made a stop at its third house of worship Thursday and 50 people received their shots for the first time.

Thursday's vaccination clinic took place at the First Congregational Church of Vernon, 695 Hartford Turnpike. Town officials had staged previous clinics at a regional mosque just over the town line in Ellington and at a Catholic Church in Vernon.

The church's pastor, the Rev. Robin Bird, said when Lt. William Meier of the Vernon Police Department contacted the church with the offer, she was thrilled to accept.

"It's great that the town of Vernon is doing this and we want to help any way we can," Bird said. "When Lt. Meier texted me and said, 'yes, please, of course.'"

Bird said about 65 percent of the 335-member church is at least 65 years old, making the church an ideal host for the first phase of vaccinations targeting seniors.

One of those getting her first dose of the Moderna vaccine was church member Judith Johnston of South Windsor.

"It didn't hurt at all. It was just like getting a flu shot," Johnston said. "I've been very careful about the virus, but I'm also glad to get the shot."

Johnston said she has 14 grandchildren and a great-grandchild and has been "devastated" about not being able to be with them up close.

"It breaks my heart," she said. "At Christmas, members of the family came by but had to stand outside."

Johnston said getting the shot was the right thing to do socially.

"It's our duty to stay healthy," she said.

Vernon officials said they will be planning more visits to more venues in town in the future. The vaccines are transported in a special trailer.