For Linda Evans, all it took was a simple prick of the arm to feel as if a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

Evans was among 140 people to receive their COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday courtesy of the Lehigh Valley Health Network Mobile Vaccination Unit.

The LVHN Mobile Vaccination Unit made several stops to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to people throughout the region.

It made its first round at the Lehighton Elderly Apartments in Lehighton, where seniors anxiously awaited their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“It feels great,” Evans said. “I’ve been on the list trying to get the vaccine, but couldn’t get it.”

Evans said she greatly appreciates the efforts that were made to ensure she and others could get their shot.

“I feel really grateful,” she said. “It almost makes me want to cry.”

While she’s accustomed to receiving shots, Laura Bailey said this particular one tops the rest.

“I had trouble getting an appointment,” Bailey said. “I’m glad to get it.”

Bailey said she was thankful to get the vaccine shot.

“Fine,” she replied when asked how she felt shortly after she received the vaccine injection. “I’ve been getting flu shots for years.”

Ann Miller could hardly contain her excitement.

“I’m so relieved and happy,” Miller said. “I tried for two months to make an appointment online; it was so frustrating.”

Miller added, “I’m so glad they came here. I’ll be less stressed.”

Now, Miller said she can make plans to visit her loved ones.

“I have five grandchildren, and I haven’t seen them in over a year,” she said. “I’m beyond thrilled to have this shot.”

Miller praised state Rep. Doyle Heffley for coordinating the event along with Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Heffley commended Terry Purcell, LVHN, and others for working with him to ensure the event would take place.

“The operation is really running very smoothly,” Heffley said, adding it was “heartwarming” to see everyone waiting patiently to get their shot.

Purcell said it’s “gratifying” to see the looks on their faces knowing they have protection from the virus.

Afterward, the LVHN Mobile Vaccination Unit was scheduled to visit The Palmer House in Palmerton, as well as the Lansford Midrise in Lansford.

Josh Houck, preparedness specialist and paramedic with Lehigh Valley Health Network, explained how the process works.

“We’re doing these mobile clinics to reach out to the folks who are going to have the biggest trouble getting to where they need to be to get the vaccine,” Houck said. “Everybody’s preregistered prior to being here.”

Houck said the benefits are many.

“It prevents them from getting up and running around,” he said. “We try to make it as easy as we can.”

Houck said the way it works is people wait 15 minutes following their vaccination before being on their way, and added that through Thursday, there will be 3,600 people who have had the vaccines administered in mobile clinics throughout the Lehigh Valley, Poconos, Hazleton and Schuylkill County areas.

“It’s actually fun because the folks, they’re so extremely grateful that we’re here,” he said. “I enjoy it.”

Lehigh Valley Health Network began the COVID-19 mobile vaccination unit in January as a means to reach large concentrations of people eligible for the vaccine, but unable to get to hospitals or drive-thru clinics.

Over 2,000 people have been vaccinated through the program, mostly at skilled nursing facilities and personal care homes not served by commercial pharmacies.

The vehicles are used to transport vaccines, IT infrastructure such as computers and the medical team. The COVID-19 mobile vaccination unit serves all areas of the region and will continue to travel to senior high-rises, community centers and other facilities to reach community members with limited transportation and other access barriers.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit LVHN.org/Vaccines.