NEW ROCHELLE, NY — At 104 years old, Mary Mignona may be the oldest person in New Rochelle to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
She was the first person among more than 219 United Hebrew residents to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Friday. An additional 133 staff also received the vaccine.
In one day, Friday, January 8th, United Hebrew vaccinated a remarkable 360 people at their New Rochelle campuses, making them among the most effecient vaccine providers in the area.
Born in 1916, Mignona has lived through two pandemics, two World Wars and one Cubs World Series win.
Mignona was born in 1916 and was just two years old when the Spanish flu pandemic struck the United States. While she averted illness during her first pandemic, Mignona tested positive for COVID-19 last fall. Isolated for two weeks, she fortunately remained largely asymptomatic from the virus and eventually recovered.
“It’s amazing to be a two-time pandemic survivor,” said Mignona. “I’m very happy to be vaccinated. Now I’m looking forward to seeing my family in-person.”
Mignona is counting the days her two children and five great-grandchildren — all boys — can visit her at United Hebrew, according to her daughter, Christina D’Angelo. “Because of COVID, we’ve only been able to see each other virtually or through a window at the nursing home since last March. My mom has significant hearing loss, so interacting with her in these ways is difficult. This vaccine brings us closer to seeing each other in person.”
With its pharmacy partner, Pharmscript, and following the guidelines of federal and state health authorities, United Hebrew gave the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine to over 210 residents and short-term rehabilitation patients and over 130 staff members. The second dose will be administered within the next 28 days.
Located in New Rochelle, United Hebrew was at the epicenter of the pandemic outbreak last March and has cared for hundreds of COVID-19 patients since the beginning of the health crisis.
Rita Mabli, president & CEO, said the arrival of the vaccine provides tremendous relief, and brings hope that there are brighter days ahead.
“This is a momentous occasion for us,” she said. “We are deeply grateful for all who worked so hard to get the vaccine to us. Needless to say, it’s been a challenging year for our staff, residents, and their loved ones.”
Health authorities have said, from the very beginning, that people over 65 are at a much higher risk of becoming very ill from COVID-19.
Adds Mabli: “This vaccine will go a long way toward protecting them and their caregivers, who are still working so tirelessly to keep them well. Our campus will be one of the safest places to be.”
United Hebrew of New Rochelle has been serving the Westchester metropolitan area since 1919, and today, serves more than 1,000 residents and clients daily.
These men and women are true heroes, I can’t wait to be able to see my mom again, Thank you to the entire staff I’d United Hebrew. 🙏