GVS Vaccine Angels: When One Good Deed Becomes 1000

When Heather Neilsen’s parents became eligible for the COVID vaccine, Heather, like many sons and daughters, joined the effort of near-constant monitoring of websites for available appointments. After securing appointments for her parents and other older family members, others began to ask for help. Her husband, Nick, joined the effort, and together, they learned shortcuts and began to recognize patterns in availability. Upon learning that a vaccine-eligible teacher at Green Vale was struggling to obtain an appointment, the Neilsens helped her book a vaccination. So began a husband-wife marathon collaboration of near-constant website monitoring, resulting in 125 GVS teachers, parents, and family members receiving vaccines by the end of February.

According to Heather: “It was clear that teachers could not sit and refresh a website all day, and Nick and I believed it was a way to protect the community and alleviate some of the stress felt by our teachers and staff who have gone above and beyond to give our children a “normal” year of education. They have put their own health at risk on a daily basis.”

After booking appointments for the GVS community, the Nielsens targeted vaccine inequity by focusing efforts on working people and those with less tech access or tech savvy. They specifically sought out those they believed might need extra assistance. Vaccines were successfully booked for the staff of The INN food pantry and shelter in Hempstead, employees of a local grocery store, residents of a rehab facility, and the volunteers of their local fire department and their families. Tragically, a person on the Neilsen appointment list died of COVID a few days before his vaccine, reinforcing the urgency of the service they were providing. “It’s been very rewarding to feel like there is actually something I can do to help to stop the pandemic and to reduce the stress in other people’s lives.”

By early April, the couple had made over 1,000 vaccine appointments, and the requests continue. Heather hopes that an increase in vaccine supply will make appointments more accessible. The couple has been showered with flowers, gifts, and notes. They even invited the newly vaccinated to show their gratitude with a gift to The INN. Incredibly, the Nielsens generated over $50,000 of thank-you donations, many from the GVS community, and raised over $200,000 overall for COVID relief.

The magnitude of Heather Neilsen’s generosity impressed the highest level of New York State government. State Senator Kevin Thomas awarded Heather the 6th District’s New York State Senate Women of Distinction Award.

GVS Vaccine Angels

When One Good Deed Becomes 1000+

“Nick and I are so thankful for the work of the GVS staff and how they’ve gone above and beyond to make this year a great one for our kids. They are just as happy at school now as they were before the pandemic started.” — Heather Neilsen