Submitted by a loyal babyboomers.com reader

As of today, March 11th, 2021, 61% of people over 64 have received at least one dose but only 31% are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. I am now officially included in those numbers as I went to receive my first of two shots yesterday. Like a lot of baby boomers, I was nervous about going; not so much about the shot itself, but the process. I had no idea what to expect. This is why I decided to share my story, so other readers could learn what to expect and alleviate any concerns they might have.

I received my vaccine at one of my state's megasites simply because that is where I was able to get an appointment. My experience could be vastly different from yours if you go to a different type of location, such as a pharmacy or a doctor's office.

When I first arrived, I saw a tremendously long line of people. I wasn’t really sure where to go, so I followed the herd and got in line. I had no idea if I was in the right place. Was this the line for the first dose? The second? Or for something entirely different like a job fair? This is exactly what I feared and felt like turning around and going home. But within seconds, literally, I was greeted by an incredibly friendly nurse who confirmed my identity, my appointment, and assured me I was in the right place. She told me what to expect as I advanced through line. I felt better instantly. Others who didn’t have appointments or were too early were kindly removed from the line without incident. I was impressed with the process right away.

Speaking of the line, it started moving incredibly fast. We advanced from station to station quickly and efficiently. Each stop, we were greeted by a friendly health care professional asking if we had any questions, needed anything, were feeling okay, etc. I felt like I was part of a movement- everybody on board doing their job for the greater good. It made me happy. Most of the waiting occurs outside and everyone is wearing a mask. Each stop, or tent, serves a purpose: check-in, temperature check, symptom questionnaire, etc. Bring your own pen if you are concerned about sanitation, but I did see them sanitizing each clipboard, and the pens were not repurposed but given to each person to keep. All paperwork is filled out while waiting in line. Another tip: fill out the confirmation form in advance before arrival. I was able to bypass a few dozen people in line who had not taken that step.

Like the baggage check at the airport, there were multiple lines. You can save time by examining which lines move fastest while waiting. There are spots in line labeled 6 feet apart. Take notice of who is occupying those spots. Is it a single person or a family or couple? This will also help you save time. Choose the fastest line. When I finally arrived at the Medical Center, my friendly encounters with volunteers and staff continued. Before receiving your shot, you will be scheduled for your second. Everything was efficient and fast- a well-oiled machine indeed.

After an hour or so, I finally entered the area where the shots were administered. I expected another line, but there was none. I was up. I got excited. The nurse was incredibly friendly and asked if I had any questions or concerns, which I did not. After the shot, there is a mandatory wait period where you sit in a large auditorium (6 feet apart) under nurse supervision. You are handed a timer, and after 15 minutes, are free to leave. The nurses checked on me 4 or 5 times during that 15-minute period.

Looking back, I had absolutely nothing to be nervous about, and neither do you. Thank you to the vaccine clinic staff and volunteers- you’re all heroes in my book.