SPOKANE, Wash. — With the vaccine becoming more accessible in Spokane, high-risk individuals are hopeful they'll get their doses soon.
The Spokane Arena will open Wednesday as a mass vaccination clinic. It's one of four in Washington state. The arena has received three thousand doses to administer to patients in Phase 1A and Phase 1B Tier 1, which includes people over 65 and people over the age of 50 in multi-generational households.
It’s a step closer to returning to normal, retired Air Force veteran Jim Pachall said.
“The hardest thing is not being able to just go out and do things," he explained.
Last year Pachall underwent bypass surgery after a heart attack, and saw first hand how difficult COVID-19 protocols are on hospital staff and patients.
“No one was really allowed to visit,” said Pachall on his time in the hospital. “My wife had to be there in case she had to make a decision whether I was going to make it or not.”.
After developing heart issues, he says news of the vaccine has provided some hope. It’s one less thing he has to worry about.
On Wednesday, people like Jim will be signing up to receive their first doses of the vaccine.
Pachall says he's been feeling better since his surgery and looks forward to getting back out into the world after he receives his vaccine.
In the meantime, Pachall says he’ll continue to wear his mask, wash his hands and keep his distance.
“And treat people with respect, it’s the golden rule. God tells us to treat others the way you want to be treated and that’s the way it should be,” he said.
Those who are looking to get a vaccine should first confirm they are eligible using the state's PhaseFinder tool. The next step is to make an appointment. Scheduling information will be available soon on the Spokane Regional Health District's website.