Robert Jungels, 84, of Providence, is “very happy” to receive his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine during Care New England’s vaccine clinic at Kent Hospital on Monday, Feb. 1.

“I can see where the state was and was really surprised when my doctor called to say I could get the vaccine. I thought I’d be waiting another two or three months,” he said in an interview.

Care New England began vaccinating patients this week, working alongside primary care offices to coordinate appointments for patients aged 75 and older. Up until Monday, clinics were reserved for first responders and health care workers.

Jungels received his vaccination alongside his wife Dorothy, accompanied by their daughter Manette. Manette said she is relieved to see that her parents receive the vaccination although she doubts it will change the family routine that kept them apart for Christmas.

While he waited the suggested fifteen minutes for observation after receiving the vaccine, Jungels said everything was “so far, so good,” and his only reaction is a slightly sore arm.

“The pandemic has been tedious,” he said. “It has definitely affected me negatively, but I shouldn’t complain. We’re some of the lucky ones.”

According to Sherri Sprague, Emergency Department nurse director, the clinic canceled some appointments due to the winter storm, but vaccinated 32 patients on Monday. Sprague also mentioned that there were three clinics happening simultaneously at Kent: one for community physicians, one for Kent employees, and one for patients. She said 700 doses of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine were allotted across the three clinics.

“We’ll be here Monday through Friday until we’re done,” said Sprague.

While the appointments are currently only being made for those over 75 and through primary care providers, Sprague says the clinic will follow Department of Health regulations. “When the Department of Health alters their guidelines, we’ll follow suit,” she said.

In a press release from Care New England, Raymond Powrie, MD, executive chief of medicine for Care New England, said there are plans to “open additional locations, including in Pawtucket, in the coming week. Our team is already reaching out by phone and email to those who qualify to schedule one of the initial appointments. Rest assured we are making every effort to expand access quickly, but calling your doctor’s office will not lead to getting a vaccine faster.”