PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – For the last several months, cars lined up in a parking lot in Pasco County were here with concern, as they awaited their COVID-19 test results.

On Saturday, though, they’re here with hope.

“It feels very good to finally be in a position to take a proactive approach to COVID-19,” said Mike Napier, heath officer for the Florida Department of Health Pasco County.

After nearly a year of uncertainty, Pasco county seniors, can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“It’s the best thing-like winning the lottery,” said Madeline Beaumont.

“We’ve been waiting for it for how long, it seems like forever,” said Mike Hottinger.

“Just so grateful, so grateful. It’s just unbelievable,” Tom Peterson said.

It’s been a long time coming, but now more than 500 Pasco County seniors will go to bed with that extra layer of protection against the COVID-19 virus, and many of them tell us they can’t wait to get their lives started again.

“Can’t see the grandkids, maybe!” Debbie Hottinger said.

“We’ll put an agenda together of all the things we haven’t done in the last year and a half and go for it,” said Mike Hottinger.

The rush to secure an appointment has proved tough for some, given the high demand, but rest assured, all seniors will have access to the vaccine soon.

“A little bit of patience to be able to have us get through the process, we’re trying to get the vaccine out. We’re as anxious as they are to get the vaccine, we’re anxious to give it out,” Napier said.

And once they get that appointment, the process is as quick and painless as the shot itself.

“The only downside is once you get in the line, there’s nowhere to go to the bathroom,” Peterson said.

So much so, that they’ll be back in three weeks for that second dose all over again.

Some seniors reported struggling to secure an appointment online.

Anyone struggling is urged to find a neighbor or loved one to help, or ask for help at the local library.

For more information on when and where the vaccine will be offered, click here.​