Taking that first shot

Monday morning, I had my first COVID-19 vaccination shot.

I scheduled an appointment at Castle Rock Medical Center last week after the announcement of vaccinations being open to anyone and was quickly slotted for an appointment. The vaccination push is truly a major concern for CRMC because between the time I scheduled my appointment and the actual appointment time, I had half a dozen reminders called, texted and emailed to me. Considering what’s at stake, it isn’t hard to understand why.

Walking into my appointment, someone was at the front door screening people by checking visitors’ temperatures and asking a few basic questions about COVID-19 symptoms. Following that, I was given a consent form and a short questionnaire and information sheet to fill out, then was sent to a conference room where the vaccines were being distributed. The room was large with small tables set up and equally spaced out. Two nurses were walking throughout the room, talking with other people scheduled to receive the vaccine or, after the 15-minute observation period ended, telling them they could leave.

I’ve never minded needles, injections or anything of the like, though I always feel nervous moments prior to to receiving one all the same. It was hard to not think about possible side effects developing after the injection. Maybe I’d become like Bruce Banner and turn into the non-copyright-infringing hulking COVID-19 golem whenever I get sick. Perhaps the NSA wouldn’t need my phone to track me? OK -- my imagination was running wild with a lot of stupid thoughts.

But, I was nervous over nothing.

I barely felt the needle pierce my skin and within a few seconds, I had a bandage on my arm and was advised to keep moving it. After 15 minutes, I was sent on my way. No super powers. No sudden desire to support Bill Gates or the NSA. All I left with was a slightly sore arm.

It was a very quick and uneventful time and that is the important aspect to all of this. Vaccination is nothing to worry about. I realize I’m only a single voice in a large and sometime confusing argument over masks, vaccines and the state of the coronavirus pandemic itself, but getting vaccinated is an important step in ending this pandemic. Recent statistics from the Sweetwater County District Board of Health suggest about 11,000 residents have received at least an initial vaccine injection. That’s a good number by itself, but it should be much higher.

Yes, infection rates are currently trending downward and statewide health orders, with the exception of schools requiring masks, have been lifted. But, it’s always possible for a second resurgence because of relaxed attitudes. I think of vaccination as an insurance policy against possibly getting infected if something like that happens. A large vaccination group also is an insurance policy to ensure local events don’t get cancelled a second year in a row due to a massive infection spike. The more vaccinations, the better off we will all be.

I encourage anyone reading this newspaper to get vaccinated. They’re widely available at local pharmacies, Castle Rock Hospital District and Sweetwater County District Board of Health. Vaccinations are the only way this can be put behind us. Please consider receiving one.