I had my first shot of the Moderna vaccine to prevent COVID-19 here in Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. I had a morning appointment at a drive-through location. All necessary paperwork arrived in advance by email. Instructions to get to the location were clear. Signs and personnel at the location directed one quickly to stations that verified identity, confirmed any important conditions such as allergies, and moved one on to the actual vaccination. Everyone wore PPE; everyone was polite and efficient. Because of a common allergy, I was instructed to park for a half hour, checked on and then released.....with an appointment for the second shot in 28 days.

I had some small tenderness--can't be classified as pain--at the injection site and that is all. No other side effects to date. I signed up for a CDC app where I report on my health daily and may receive a call from the CDC if symptoms occur. Very, very professional, beginning to end.

And despite the very hectic day--drive through in rental car, because my car was at the shop, Georgia Senate results, the assault on the Capitol--I cried tears of joy and relief. Feel free to email me with any questions....I did have a career in Public Health.