While supply and distribution are the two most important logistical hurdles in getting the U.S. population vaccinated, ensuring folks want to get the shot is a close third. I received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine last week and want to share the story to quell your fears and encourage you all to sign up to get vaccinated. Though there are certainly some strange aspects to getting the shot, overall it was an easy and pleasant experience.
The Facts: Last Thursday morning, I received a text from a friend about a mass vaccination clinic nearby with a link to sign up for a timeslot later that day.
The Hesitation: I thought it was a bit strange to sign up from a random text, but the website seemed legitimate, so I pushed forward.
The Facts: I arrived at the clinic which was housed in a large church. While waiting in line, one of the volunteers walked around offering pamphlets promoting the church and accepting JC as our lord and savior.
The Hesitation: Sure, it's a bit strange to have religion thrust upon you when waiting for a vaccine, but the church had offered its space for the greater good, so I looked past it.
The Facts: The system was very efficient as the staff quickly checked me in, led me into the nave, and had me remove my shirt.
The Hesitation: Now, I've never had to fully remove my shirt to get a vaccine, but this is a special shot, so I didn't think too much of it.
The Facts: A group of us were then brought to the center of the room where members of the clergy draped live snakes over our shoulders while the Pastor led us in a traditional up-beat hymn. We joined in with the song as the Pastor began shouting about "casting out our devils."
The Hesitation: I didn't know the words of the song.
The Facts: After the revelry and fanfare concluded, the Pastor pressed his thumb onto each of our foreheads and exclaimed, "He hath cured you!" I put my shirt back on, left the building, and headed home thinking about how painless the whole experience was.
The Hesitation: None here. Go get your shot!
