INGHAM COUNTY - Ingham County is doing their part in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic by distributing more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

As of January 28, the county vaccinated 5,400 healthcare workers, 1,800 first responders, childcare workers and teachers, and 2,200 residents ages 70 and up.

Kaitlyn Narezo, an Okemos resident, said she was skeptical before getting the Moderna vaccine.

“I didn’t do all the research that I should have, so I just had all these thoughts of was it rushed,” said Narezo. “But once I sat down, I did the research myself and I also talked to a couple doctors, they all recommended that I should get it and they basically just informed me so that I could make the best decision for myself.”

Narezo said after her first dose of the vaccine she had body aches and chills the first day but woke up fine the next day. After her second dose, she said she felt more symptoms of the flu and developed a fever, but the symptoms went away after a couple days.

“I felt like it was something I needed to do, so that we can stop the spread of COVID,” said Narezo. “I do think I would do it again. Even though I did have side effects and everything, if we have booster shots in the future, I’ll definitely keep up with those.”

Richard Hansen, the owner of Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy in Okemos, said he wasn’t too skeptical about getting the Pfizer vaccine.

“We put worst things in our body every day I think,” said Hansen. “If it helps and it keeps somebody else from not getting COVID, that’s good.”

Hansen said after receiving both vaccines the only thing he felt was a sore shoulder. He added that his wife, who also received the vaccine, had achy muscles for about a day after her vaccine doses.

“I don’t consider a sore shoulder a side effect of a vaccine, that’s just what it is. I think any vaccine whether you get flu or anything else you’re gonna have a soreness where they stick the needle in,” said Hansen. “So, if it does what it’s supposed to do, and it’s as safe as it’s made out to be and people get it and it stops COVID from spreading, then absolutely no doubt in my mind that it’s worth it.”

The demand for the vaccine is exceeding the number of vaccines the health department currently has in their possession. However, at the end of January, the health department announced seniors in the community, ages 65 to 69, can start making appointments to receive the vaccine.