More than 350 people get COVID-19 vaccine at Samson JCC 'first-dose' clinic

WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- It’s a push to get hundreds more people the COVID-19 vaccine in Milwaukee County.

On Thursday, March 25, more than 350 eligible residents got their first dose.

The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center launched this clinic after the success of its first one earlier this month.

They say it’s part of their mission to build a healthier community.

On her doctor’s advice, 78-year-old Sally Hill got her first dose of the vaccine.

“You really should do everything possible to prevent the expansion of this pandemic," said Hill.

The Glendale resident has multiple sclerosis and has had part of one lung removed.

Though hesitant to get the vaccine, she ultimately decided it was right for her.

“You have to, if you care about people and your family and everybody," she explained.

Hill was one of hundreds to flow through the JCC.

The clinic was specifically for people getting their first dose of the vaccine.

“What the pandemic did was it forced us to learn how to build community beyond our buildings, in the virtual environment. The vaccine begins to bring us back home to the ideas of bringing community together in spaces and places," said Mark Shapiro, President/CEO of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center.

Today's clinic was a partnership between the JCC, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and Hayat Pharmacy.

Those vaccinated today will return next month for the JCC’s “second-dose” clinics.

To book an appointment with the JCC, click here.