DAY 95: "Vaccination Day, part 1"

     Arrived on time for my first vaccination at UW Medicine's Northwest Hospital location, E-Wing (with limited free parking). No one is admitted earlier than 15 minutes prior to their appointment.

     At Desk #1, I'm asked these questions: Any symptoms? Ever test positive for COVID-19? Is this your first or second shot? Then I go down the hall where I'm told where to stand, since it wasn't clearly marked along the way. 

     In no time I'm called forward to Desk #2: Name? DOB? Is this your first or second shot? Please take a number (mine is 44). I'm also handed a simple form where all my answers are NO, along with a plastic green folder to give to the vaccinator. I find out later that green means Pfizer and red means Moderna. I sit down as they call #38.

     Again in short time my number is called and I hand over my form & folder to Craig who takes me to a cubicle, one of 20 or so. Relax. Have you ever had an anaphylactic reaction to vax or meds? Have you had other Covid vaccines or treatments? No, no and no.

     I learn that Naproxen is ok. The recommendation to avoid Ibuprofen is "old data," so take it if it turns out you need it. Vaccines pooling up in the arm is also just a rumor, it's best to use your non-dominant arm (it will get sore, as mine did 6 hours later).

     I'm given handouts to read when I have time. The jab goes in, the arm stays loose & limp. 

     At worse, flu-like symptoms might develop after a day or two. A lack of side effects does not affect efficacy. A second appointment will be emailed to you, your second dose will be reserved. The facility services 650 people a day, up to 900 tops.

     At Desk 3, now, I'm assigned chair #4 in a makeshift waiting room, six feet apart from anyone else. 15 minutes later I show no signs of anaphylaxis. The gal's accent made it hard to hear the difference between "#2" and "#4."

     Then it's out the back door and into the sunny parking lot.