It was only 100 people, but Tuesday’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic helped by Gaughn’s Drug Store, was an early step toward herd immunity.

When the county’s first public vaccine clinic opened, Warren General Hospital Medical Director Dr. Keith Price was on hand.

For the first time, county residents who were not in front-line careers nor living in long-term care facilities received vaccine.

Being involved in that clinic was important for Price.

“I am a very strong proponent of getting the vaccine,” he said.

As a health care worker, he was offered the vaccine. “Absolutely,” he said. “I’ve had both doses.”

And, he was there to field questions or do whatever he could do to help smooth the process as others got their first on Tuesday.

“I volunteered,” Price said. “Anything that can speed up the process of getting vaccinated.”

It’s not just about making sure the individual getting the shot is protected.

“We need the herd immunity,” he said. “Until 70 to 80 percent of us get vaccinated, this pandemic can keep going.”

Part of his goal was to “help people have confidence in the system,” he said.

While those attending Tuesday’s clinic had voluntarily signed up for the shot and were almost universally enthusiastic, Price knows there are people who are not.

“Looking at other vaccines, this was developed quickly,” he said. “The technology is totally different. It’s been through the three trial phases.”

He said more than 30,000 people received the vaccine during the trials.

So far, Moderna and Pfizer had developed vaccines that are approved and in production. The Moderna vaccine was put in the arms of about 100 Warren County residents on Tuesday.

“The two that we have are 95 percent effective – that’s much higher than the effectiveness of the flu vaccine,” Price said.

And, in cases where the patient still acquires COVID, the vaccine appears to offer some protection.

“Of the 5 percent who might get COVID, none have gotten serious disease,” Price said.