I’ve done a lot of things with my eldest son over the years, but yesterday we did something together that a year ago I would not have anticipated. We got our first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine together. After waiting patiently for our time to sign-up, hitting refresh several times, and then finally scheduling our appointments this past Monday, we eagerly headed out yesterday to the city of North Adams where St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church Parish Center was hosting a large vaccine clinic hosted by the Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative. We were two of the roughly 1,500 people who received vaccine at the clinic yesterday.

I didn’t realize, until we arrived, that the clinic was giving out both the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson first dose shots. The thought of switching lines did occur to me, but of course, it was only a passing thought. The line moved along impressively fast, with one of the vaccine workers leading things along using a megaphone. He tried to be funny a few times, so it least we were entertained while we waited.  

If you haven’t gotten your shot yet, I can personally tell you that it was a piece of cake, and there is absolutely nothing to worry about. I’m sure all the clinics have their differences, but basically you go in, they take your temperature, ask you a few questions like if you have ever had an adverse reaction to a vaccine, and before you know it... it's over.  

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I did get ribbed a bit by one of the vaccine workers because I was wearing my New York Mets Hat. She told me that New York fans had to go to a different clinic, but she let me go in anyway. After the shot was done, you have to sit in a designated area for 15 minutes before you can leave in case you have some type of adverse reaction. I have to admit it felt a little like I was sitting on the “Group W Bench.” We all just sort of looked at each other. Well, when we weren’t staring at our phones that is. I even saw someone using a “flip” phone, but that's another story and I don’t want to get sidetracked.   

Me and my vaccine card (You can't tell, but I'm smiling)
Me and my vaccine card (You can't tell, but I'm smiling)
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My son went in a short time after me, so I had to wait a little while for him to get done and come out. When he did though, we did something that we have done together countless times. We hit Pedrin’s Dairy Bar. Oh yeah. There nothing like filling up on greasy fried food after a visit to the vaccine clinic. Oh my... clam roll and onion rings! Heaven.  

LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.

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