This morning I had the opportunity to join the ranks of those who are working in the fight against Covid-19. I volunteered at St. Vincent in the vaccine clinic as a non-medical observer.
The vaccine process is as such: folks check in at the registration table, proceed to the vaccine station, move along to the check out table and then sit in the observation area for fifteen minutes until they are released to leave.
I originally signed up for registration because I like talking to people and I had heard the observers just stood and watched people to make sure they had no reactions to the vaccine. I later learned that medically trained folks filled those observer roles and non-clinical observers were at the check out station. Regardless, I would have stepped up for whatever position they needed filled. I just wanted to be useful and participate in the re/solution.
As it turned out, I loved my placement. I got to speak to many people, check them out and make their appointments for the second vaccine. I met folks whose names I knew, saw some folks I knew but hadn’t seen in a while and spoke to loads of seniors who were eighty and up. If I had been medically trained, I would have enjoyed the role of observer because that retired nurse worked the room! I fancy talking to strangers and making friends.
Towards the end of my shift, I saw Sr. Jane with whom Bill and I had done a physicians book study several years ago. In checking her out, she asked if I had had both vaccines. When I shared I had had neither, she said she thought volunteers were eligible. Within fifteen minutes, the lead pharmacist came over and told me that Sr. Jane wanted to be sure I got my shot today. Needless to say, I’ll be praying for Sr. Jane for a long, long time.
Ironically, my second appointment is on February 2nd, Groundhog Day when I’ll be doing the vaccine all over again
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