UAlbany vaccine site was well-run
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the struggle of trying to book a vaccine appointment at the University At Albany state site.
Although the process wasn’t smooth, I am happy to report that I did get lucky onenight last week as I kept refreshing the state vaccine website and was fast enough to book an appointment for the following morning.
The website is very random as far as when appointments appear and they go very fast, so I was shocked that I timed it right and was fast enough to book one. In case you did not read my last column on this topic, I am eligible to get the vaccine since I have high blood pressure and kidney condition.
Like many others have figured out, the trick is to click on the schedule your vaccine appointment link even when it says there are no appointments available at that specific site. When clicking on that link, it then opens up a new window which will sometimes say no appointments available, but other times actual appointments will appear.
I am also relieved that both of my parents were able to schedule appointments at SUNY Albany this month.
When I woke up last Wednesday morning, I was excited to take that 15-minute drive to SUNY Albany and be able to get the first shot.
I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as the process and how the site was run.
When I pulled into the parking lot, National Guard members were there and directed me where to park and I was then told to stay in my car until they let my row go inside.
I waited less than five minutes in my car and then less than five minutes in the actual line inside.
Everyone there was friendly and professional and all safety protocols were being followed.
As I sat down to receive the Pfizer vaccine, I was talking to the one woman who was putting my personal information into the computer and as she was doing that, another woman put the shot in my arm without me feeling a thing.
I was then told to wait 15 minutes in a separate area with others for observation. They say that most people do not have any immediate side effects and I did not.
I was there for a total of 23 minutes. The site was well run and everything was very efficient.
The only side effect that I felt for part of that day and the following day was a sore arm.
I know more people report that they feel side effects after the second dose (which you get three weeks later), and even if I do, I feel like getting the vaccine is worth it.
If and when you’re able to get the vaccine, I would recommend that you do, but I know some people are skeptical or just do not want to get it, and I respect their opinion and decision.