Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine

When I found out I was eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine I called my doctor’s office. I was told by the receptionist I would have to make the appointment myself through the Sutter Health website or by calling the phone number which she had given me. The phone line was understandably busy. Like me, many people in my age group were trying to get through. After all, we had just learned that we were eligible to get the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. I had to be patient and persistent and keep on trying.

Determined to get the job done I sat down at my desk with my laptop and logged on to the Sutter Health website. After trying intermittently for about two hours I was able to get an appointment. This was in mid-January. I was a little apprehensive about getting the vaccine so my daughter and son-in-law offered to take me to the hospital. This was the first time I had been to a public place in months. I wore a mask, a short-sleeved shirt, kept a hand sanitizer with me, and followed all the directions for the appointment.

As soon as I entered the lobby of the hospital I felt reassured. A nurse took my temperature and directed me to the third floor. Surprisingly, there weren’t many people. We stood in line with proper distancing. I checked-in at the registration desk and was given an information sheet and an appointment card for the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Waiting outside the vaccination area I could see small stations set up in what I think was a conference room. When it was my turn I was directed to station 11. The nurse was so quick and efficient I barely felt anything when the vaccine was given. I was asked to wait for 15 minutes in the next room to see if there was any reaction.

Quite relaxed by now I looked around the room. Most of the patients were either my age or older. Some seemed very anxious and others were relieved that the vaccination was done at least the first dose. At times like these one truly appreciates our healthcare workers. The whole set up was efficient and smooth. There were no delays. The staff made us feel very comfortable and patiently answered our questions. Even to hear them talk cheerfully amongst themselves, brought a sense of normalcy in the room.

I went to the parking lot where my children were waiting for me, surprised that I was out so quickly.

Yesterday, February 14, I took my second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Though the procedure at the hospital was the same as on my previous visit there many more people this time. The lines were long but no one complained.

Some of my friends who had already taken the second dose of the vaccine warned me to expect some reaction the second time. It has been over 24 hours since I got my second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Apart from a little headache and chills, I am doing quite well.