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'More freedom:' Loveland couple breathes sigh of relief after receiving second COVID-19 shot

Renie Poole.png
Posted at 9:21 PM, Jan 29, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-30 00:34:09-05

LOVELAND, Colo. — While many Coloradans wait for the first round of the vaccine, 500 residents and staff at Good Samaritan Society - Loveland Village are receiving their second round of shots Friday and Saturday.

Renie and John Poole were two of the residents who received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine Friday.

"At least I have some level of immunity now, and that’s really important to me," said John said.

The two moved to Good Samaritan Society - Loveland Village in April. Unable to meet their neighbors, Jenie and John relied on photography to get through the lonely days.

"Photography is an outlet for me," Renie said.

April was also the last time the married couple of nearly 60 years saw their family.

"We’ve missed a lot of birthdays and holidays. So, yeah, it’ll be nice to get together again," Renie said.

With the second dose, they're hoping to change that soon. The CDC says it will take up to two weeks after the second shot to reach the vaccines full efficacy of 95%.

John, 82, and Renie, 78, were eligible for the vaccine as part of Phase 1A. They received it through Good Samaritan Society, which is working with Walgreens to distribute the shots.

John said with the vaccine, he can get back to enjoying the small things in life.

"We have geese out here in the pond, when it’s not frozen, bunnies and squirrels. I love watching wildlife. Things that I can enjoy now because my mind is not circulating on the what ifs," John said.

Renie can now look forward to the first embrace with their family.

"It would be nice to be able to hug people. We have great grandkids that are growing up that normally run in and grab you and I can’t," Renie said. "We haven’t had hugs in a long time."