When the COVID-19 vaccine was made available to associates and medical staff of Aiken Regional Medical Centers, our team pulled up their shirtsleeves and got in line to receive their shot. Meet some of our team members, and read why they chose to get the vaccine and its importance to the community.

 

  • Weems Pennington, III, MD Interventional Cardiology, "I definitely would encourage others to get the vaccine. It’s extremely important. Even though it’s a new vaccine, I really do feel it’s the way to get back normal life."
  • Patty Bryan, RNC, BSN Nursery, "We’re in a pandemic and everyone should do their part, especially nurses that are at the bedside and come in close contact with patients. We want to be sure we provide safe care, and this is one way we can continue to do our part."
  • Gerald Gordon, MD Infectious Disease, "We are fortunate to have an effective vaccine against COVID-19. I have received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine today and will receive another in 21 days, and encourage everyone to have this vaccine as soon as it is available. While some people may experience some side effects, mostly after the 2nd vaccine, these are mild compared to having the severe manifestations of COVID..."
  • Merry De Leon, MD Psychiatry, "I think it’s important to trust the science and help protect our families and patients so we can establish immunity and get back to normal faster."
  • Candace Waters, FNP-BC APA Family Medicine at Graniteville, "As a Nurse Practitioner, getting the COVID-19 vaccine will help me stay healthy which is important to my family and network. It also sends a positive message to our patients and community that vaccinations are essential, safe and effective as we progress to ending the COVID pandemic and other communicable diseases."
  • Shirley Smith + Bobby Davis Coworkers, both – Environmental Services, "We both got the vaccine because we work in healthcare and want to protect ourselves, coworkers, patients and our families. We want to encourage our coworkers to get the vaccine, too."
  • Ben Taylor, PA-C Emergency, "I think it’s important because we’re on the front lines, seeing all the patients coming in, and with some patients we don’t even know they have it and we may be exposed to it. It’s important for anyone who works in emergency services to receive this vaccine."
  • Alyce Franks Emergency Department, Case Management, "Once the vaccine was an option, I knew I was going to get it. Because I work in the ER and see all the sick COVID patients coming and the ICU full, and deal with the families of these patients, getting vaccinated was just the smartest and most realistic thing to do. And I’m happy I was given the opportunity to do it so quickly."
  • Jose Cardenas, MD Neurology, "I’m getting the vaccine because after treating and caring for patients with COVID, I can attest this is not just the flu, but a serious illness. We’ve gone through a lot of hardship. We’ve seen how science has proven this vaccine is effective and in record time. I do it first for my patients, and my family. I would encourage everyone to get the vaccine."
  • Travis Johnson, RN, BSN  ICU, "I’m getting the vaccine to stand as an example that I can do my part to protect my friends, family and the community, and help stop the spread of the virus."
  • Brenda Jones, CRCA Patient Registration, "I decided to get it for the protection of myself, and my mom who has COPD and asthma. I want to make sure that when I’m visiting I don’t pass the virus on to her. I don’t want to think I have the chance to pass the virus on to my mom or another person I come in contact with who is potentially compromised."
  • David Steiner, MD Psychiatry, "First and foremost, it’s important for me and my family; I have a grandson and I want to be around for a long time. It’s important for the community to keep each other safe, and the vaccine will help protect the lives of everyone in the community and hopefully get us back to normal as soon as possible."