After succeeding in the real-life game of "appointment-roulette" for covid vaccine, the appointed day and hour arrived. Giddy with anticipation or angst, take your pick, we headed to the appointed place 30 minutes early. Well I said I was giddy. Already gloomy in the mall with the onset of January's concession to early darkness and closed down stores it was a perfect setting for a...dum dum DAA "stabbing". The mall-y walkways were puncuated with masked strangers strolling, getting their steps in, in a perfectly climate controlled setting. Rather romantic actually. Or were they waiting to be called to the scene of the crime? They were suspiciously close to the registration table.
Accustomed to lines for anything of value I suspiciously eyed the determined walkers to ascertain age or visible signs of a pre-existing conditions. However, upon strolling up to the table we were immediately greeted and names checked off on "the list"-- we're in! Guided by a roped aisleway similar to those employed at popular and desirable night spots we met the second gate-keeper. Routine covid - seeking questions and a temperature check. Though I believe they might want to spring for the more expensive thermometer - I registered a robust 95 degees and the OH hit 94. This was followed by the question "did you have a temp of 104 or higher yesterday?" Huh? Well I probably would not be standing there today if I had or I would lie about it. "Are you together?" For about 50 years. Polite chuckle, gate-keepers have heard them all.
Then we were ushered along the roped aisles, apparently they are not into ramdom wanderers, to our seats where we were greeted by the Military! Veteran stabbers apparently though some did not look old enough. "Sarge" explained the paperwork, the upcoming experience and how to schedule for our 2nd appointment. I love optimism. The second soldier introduced himself after I asked if he was the stabber and I introduced myself as the "stabbee" finally coaxing a smile from Mr. Serious. The shot itself was anti-climatic. Chief Stabber said those shots shown on television are rather over-inflated (showing 6 inches of needle). It was just a small prick and three days of muscle soreness. He apologized for drawing a little blood (I must have flinched) and finished off with a cheery Daffy Duck bandage. The OH got Bugs Bunny. My theory is the Health Department vaccinates a lot of children and Loony Tunes are the cover of choice.
Another month or so and a second stab, though I have heard there may be a booster developed for all the mutant covids that keep popping up. Then another two to four weeks - IMMUNITY, maybe. I am grateful to be in the loop and hopeful that we can reach that magic 80% vaccination rate this year.
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