Faces of the Fight: Jodie Johnson, RN, Population and Public Health

My name is Jodie Johnson and I am a Registered Nurse and a supervisor for population and public health in central Saskatchewan. 

Recently, I had the privilege of being a part of the team charged with defeating COVID-19 in our communities by providing the first dose of Pfizer vaccine in part of the province. I’ve been called a hero, but the following stories are the true heroes in Saskatchewan.

I met health care workers and volunteers who have been selflessly working in outbreak facilities share stories of hope and resiliency while taking selfies and crying as they receive their first immunization.

I saw a 90-year-old gentleman do a little jig as he danced up to see the nurse for his first immunization.

I had long-term care staff and residents cheering and clapping as we arrive with the vaccine, knowing that this is the beginning of the end of the outbreak in their homes.

I met a woman who came from across town, braving the wind and snowy streets with her walker to come to our clinic.

I overheard a resident say, “I’ve been waiting and waiting for this day and I am so happy it’s finally here.”

I watched as a resident Facetimed his son while receiving his first immunization and heard his son celebrate on the other end.

As I reflect on the hundreds of “thank you for coming” messages I heard doing this work, I can’t help but say thank you back.

Too often, the negative voices are loud and meant to discourage. But when I was doing this work, I couldn’t hear those negative voices, because the quiet, kind and grateful majority were louder. My faith in humanity has been restored.

For those that weren’t able to get an appointment yet; your time will come. Continue to watch for public service announcements, continue to wear a mask, follow public health guidelines and protect yourself and others. Know that when your time comes to roll up your sleeve, the vaccine you receive is being constantly monitored from delivery to injection.

No step or detail is missed and we are working around the clock to get a vaccine safely into arms as quickly as possible.

Stay safe and stay kind.