Dr. Heather Michalak has spent the last 13 years caring for the children in southern Middle Tennessee at Columbia Pediatrics.
When Michalak’s daughter learned that the practice would be partnering with Maury Regional Medical Center to begin offering the COVID-19 vaccine to patients age 12 and up, the 13-year-old made it clear that she wanted to be one of the first to receive the vaccine.
Catie Michalak’s wish came true Tuesday afternoon.
The young Michalak was one of 60 young patients scheduled to receive the vaccination that day.
Columbia Pediatrics offices at 1600 Nashville Highway in Columbia and 1003 Reserve Blvd. in Spring Hill offer the Pfizer vaccine.
“I was so excited to get vaccinated,” the teen said moments after receiving her first dose. “The second she told me I could get vaccinated I asked her to sign me up. It means a lot. It is another step to help fight COVID.”
A student at Spring Station Middle School in Spring Hill, Michalak said she looks forward to spending time with friends in a more normal setting. She also wants to visit family members who live on Canada’s Prince Edward Island.
Canada’s borders have remained closed to non-essential travel since March 21, 2020.
“I will still wear my mask but I can’t wait to hang out with friends again like I used to,” Michalak said. “I have not seen my cousins in almost two years so I really want to go see them.”
She said the vaccine will also give her the freedom to continue pursuing her passion…
