RIVERSIDE – (INT) – Riverside County has reached a milestone in its fight to protect its residents from the pandemic.

More than 1-million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered.

Shirley Ann Gruenke, a 65-year-old resident of Cherry Valley, was the 1-millionth recipient. It came among cheers and fanfare from the nurses and staff at the Chatigny Senior Community Center in Beaumont.

“It was a surprise, but I sure thank you all,” said Gruenke, a retired nurse. “You know, I went back and forth saying I was not going to get the shot, but when I got COVID in December and I felt sick, I said I’m ready for it. I’m getting my shot.”

Currently there are four county-run vaccination clinics and more than 230 private providers. The county also operates six mobile vaccination teams to reach people at their place of work or closer within their communities. The teams will expand offering more vaccinations as eligibility widens.

“The county team has vaccinated people in clinics, cars, tents, trailers and in the agricultural fields. I am impressed by the work of so many to reach one million vaccinations,” said Public Health Officer Geoffrey Leung.

Story Date: April 1, 2021