Tuckahoe Retirement Community to Administer First COVID-19 Vaccines to 72 Residents and 50 Associates Monday

(Tuckahoe, NY )  – More than 120 residents and staff members of The Fountains at RiverVue, a Watermark Retirement Community in Tuckahoe, N.Y., will receive the first of a two-dose vaccine against COVID-19 Monday. The onsite clinic by Omnicare/CVS is scheduled for a 10 a.m. launch on Monday, Jan. 25 with 72 residents and 50 associates being vaccinated throughout the day until 4 p.m. 

Among the residents is World War II veteran, Frank Caruso, and his wife of 75 years, Anne. Caruso safely celebrated his 100th birthday in 2020, and he is eager to receive the first vaccine alongside his wife and friends in the community. The couple looks forward to resuming much of what they’ve enjoyed at The Fountains at RiverVue, especially the musical events.

Fountains at RiverVue Executive Director Monica Lafferty says excitement is high among residents as the vaccine clinic begins – a sign that the community will soon regain much of its vibrancy.  

“Our residents have shown admirable resiliency as they have taken significant precautions to keep themselves and one another safe against the virus. They deserve this gift of the vaccine so that they can have more freedom to reconnect with their neighbors and safely return to the activities that once filled their calendars.”

For resident Barbara Vahue, that favorite activity is the community’s trivia contests, and for resident Robert Ptofsky, it’s the monthly political roundtables. Both Vahue and Ptofsky are also scheduled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine Monday.

At the clinic, a registered nurse will be on hand to monitor residents for reactions to the vaccine. Under Watermark’s Stay Safe. Be Well. program, staff has been trained to constantly watch residents for symptoms of the disease and will continue to do so regarding response to the vaccine.