John Cremin, a 95-year-old father and grandfather resident at Killarney Community Hospital, was the first community hospital resident to receive the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Kerry on Thursday morning. He is pictured with Director of Nursing Máire Flynn who was the first staff member at Killarney Community Hospital to be vaccinated. “I’m very glad to be getting my vaccine today, it’s not something that happens every week" he said. Photo: Don MacMonagle Further info: Mary.Smithwick@hse.ie John Cremin, a 95-year-old father and grandfather resident at Killarney Community Hospital, has become the first resident of a residential facility in Kerry to be vaccinated against COVID-19. He got the vaccine today at Killarney Community Hospital alongside other residents and healthcare workers from the residential unit. John is originally from Knocknagree in Co Cork. The father of four has six grandchildren and has been a resident at Killarney Community Hospital since 2013. He says he is looking forward to a time when he can have visitors again. “We haven’t been able to have visitors for a while now. I’m not a bit worried about getting the vaccine, it’s good that it’s here. I’m very glad to be getting my vaccine today, it’s not something that happens every week.” Director of Nursing Máire Flynn was the first staff member at Killarney Community Hospital to be vaccinated. “I am delighted that we are receiving the vaccine, and so happy for our residents and our staff. We are so grateful to everyone who has made this happen, and so happy to be a part of this. Our residents are very excited, and are thrilled to be getting something that gives us all new hope for 2021. The important thing about these vaccinations is that they will help us to keep our residents safe.” Elaine Sheehan is assistant director of nursing at Killarney Community Hospital, and part of the team of vaccinators delivering the first vaccines today. She said she’s delighted