There was no question that I was going to get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as it was available for my age group, but when it came down to it I did this in the most “anthony” way possible. High tech, well organized, and planned down to the minute with no surprises.
First, I got the app. Or, rather, the app for my medical insurance provider. Once I got the password sorted out, I was in and got an alert when I could sign up.
I picked the first date available and an early morning time – then signed up online. You really can get anything from the internet. I took the day off of work in case I had a reaction – but mostly just so I could have a day off.
Earlier this week I scoped out the location – 8 minutes from my house – and figured out the best parking options. I also planned a back-up route in case traffic was bad.
Today, I was up early and did the pre-check-in screening, then headed out – wearing a sleeveless shirt, of course. (I will reluctantly admit to doing some dumbbell curls before I left the house.) I got there early and checked in from the parking lot so that when I went in I was skipped ahead past two of the stations. Efficiency.
I got the flyer at the door with notes and a QR code, got directed to the first open seat, then verified my name and birthdate. And then, needle stick – so easy and painless that I thought there was something wrong. Like “can you stick it back in there and wiggle it around or something?” or “Are you sure you pushed down the plunger?”
I didn’t say either of those things.
I got a timer and went to the observation area. The nurse in that area took her responsibilities very seriously – she went from person to person, staring at them wide-eyed as though we might burst into flames or mutate into lizard people. (I WISH.) It was…a little disconcerting.
When my timer went off I immediately thought my pasta was done – I have the same timer at home – then turned it in and headed home.
And that was it. My arm got a little tingling/pinching/burning sensation a couple times later in the day, but it only lasted a few minutes. It’s a little sore to the touch, but not a big deal. I might have been a little fatigued today as well, but I was so dang lazy I couldn’t really tell.
I signed up for the post vaccine health check service (QR Code!) and reported my very mild symptoms later in the day when they called for it.
My next appointment is in three weeks and I’ll likely take the day off again – or at least plan on the next day off since I’ve heard the second one is rougher.
I’ve heard some of the arguments for not getting the vaccine and they all just seem…dumb. Here’s a thing, essentially free, that will prevent you from getting an illness that kills some people. I mean, sign me up. I’ll take a double (literally). Easy.
And doing this, in a strange way, felt a little like voting. Like what I was doing wasn’t just for me, but for my community. Civic pride, and all that.
So, vaccine shot number one is complete – can’t wait for the second.
If there’s anyone reading this that might be on the fence about getting vaccinated, please remember that I am very VERY smart. And I think it’s a good idea. 🙂 So, there you go.