​United Hebrew Gives Coronavirus Vaccines To Residents, Staff

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — United Hebrew of New Rochelle provided its first coronavirus vaccines to nursing home residents and staff.

Following the guidelines of federal and state health authorities, United Hebrew, along with its pharmacy partner Pharmscript, gave the first dose Friday of the Pfizer vaccine to 219 residents and short-term rehabilitation patients and 133 staff members.

Officials said the second dose will be administered within the next 28 days.

Among those vaccinated was Mary Mignona, a 106-year-old resident who has survived two pandemics. She was born in 1916 and was just 2 years old when the Spanish flu pandemic struck the United States.

While she averted illness during her first pandemic, Mignona tested positive for the new coronavirus during the fall. She was isolated for two weeks, remained largely asymptomatic from the virus and eventually recovered.

Mignona said she was very happy to be vaccinated.

“It’s amazing to be a two-time pandemic survivor,” she said.

The 106-year-old said she was looking forward to seeing her family in person.

Mignona is counting the days her two children and five great-grandchildren 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," D'Angelo said.

She said her mother has significant hearing loss, so interacting with her has been difficult.

"This vaccine brings us closer to seeing each other in person,” D'Angelo said.

New Rochelle and United Hebrew were at the epicenter of the pandemic outbreak last March and has since cared for hundreds of COVID-19 patients, according to a spokeswoman.

Rita Mabli, president and CEO of United Hebrew, said the arrival of the vaccine provides tremendous relief and brings hope that there are brighter days ahead.

She said the roll out of the vaccine was a momentous occasion for the organization.

Mabli said they were deeply grateful for all who worked so hard to get the vaccine to them, and needless to say, it’s been a challenging year for the staff, the residents and their loved ones.

“This vaccine will go a long way toward protecting them and their caregivers, who are still working so tirelessly to keep them well," she said. "Our campus will be one of the safest places to be."

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