101-year-old Louisiana woman gets first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

HOUMA, La. (WDSU) — Jean Winder, who is 101 years old, just got her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine with The Medical Team in Houma.

“I am glad. I don’t want the disease,” Winder said.

“It’s lifesaving,” Amy Champagne, Director of Clinical Operations for The Medical Team said. “We are a part of history.”

Champagne said her team has administered about 120 vaccinations. Staff was vaccinated first and they are now ramping up vaccinations for in-home patients.

“They are overjoyed when we reach out and say we can provide that vaccine to you at home; it’s not easy but it can be done,” Champagne said. “The Medical Team was one of the first home health providers to receive COVID vaccinations in this area.”

Grace Nells, a certified nursing assistant for The Medical Team, says being on the front-lines of this pandemic has been very challenging.

“My patients need me. I put my life on the line every day before COVID and right now,” Nells said. “When I took this job I took it because I know that there are people out there that don’t have anybody but us that come and see them during the day. I would tell them to hold on, don’t give up. We are going to be alright. This too shall pass.”