COVID Vaccine

Last weekend I attended the "Justice in Action" conference  hosted in part by my office, the Center for Community Service.  The entire day was noteworthy, however, it was the keynote speaker, Dasha Kelly Hamilton who's words on creativity, passion and living with intent that spoke to me, and reminded me to come back here and write - my form of creative release.  School took over for a few days, but Friday afternoon I received my first dose of the (Moderna) COVID vaccine and I realized it's been about a year since I wrote about the first outbreak in Korea.  A year of ups and downs, both globally and personally, one for the history books and also the year I came home.  A year in review may be a post to come, but this one is a quick shout out to being halfway to vaccinated. 

Despite being in one of the earliest groups to be eligible for the vaccine with my work in Higher Education and direct student contact, I'm one of the later recipients in my social circle.  As a healthcare professional my brother was first, followed soon after by my grandparents, parents and other friends in healthcare roles.  Living within smaller social circles and less frequent contact with those outside my 'bubble' I sometimes forget there are still vaccine skeptics among us. After receiving my dose, and posting on social media because yes, I'm still enough of a millennial to be sucked into the virtual realm of 'likes' and 'loves' I received a few curious "how was it" and "how are you" questions. 

I was surprised to find out I have friends in my circle who are nervous or hesitant about getting the vaccine, to be honest it never once crossed my mind to question it.  Sure, I've had worries about side effects, especially after hearing a few of my friends went through a day of headaches, fevers and fatigue, but not getting the vaccine was never an option.  I'm now 24 hours out and aside from feeling like I got punched in the arm, I've had no side effects.  Based on friends experiences it seems the second dose may be the one that packs a punch, so we'll find out next month, but for now I'm feeling good.

Also, huge props to Hayat pharmacy and the efficiency with which they administered the process yesterday.  I technically had an appointment scheduled, however, walk-ins were also being accepted and when I walked up to see a full parking lot and lines of people I thought I'd be waiting a good hour.  Not the case though, I was in, out and vaccinated in under 45 minutes, including the 15 minute observation period.  I would guess that in that time period 40 - 50 people were vaccinated.  Everyone I encountered, from the volunteers at the first entrance to the nurse who gave me the vaccine, was friendly and helpful, making for an easy and dare I say enjoyable experience.