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According to one recipient of the vaccine, the event was well run
and he felt completely comfortable going in and having the first of
his two shots.
As he approached the entrance a sign indicated the door he was to
enter. He went inside to be greeted by an ALMH staff member who
checked his temperature and verified that he was wearing a clean
mask. The attendant was also offering fresh masks to anyone who
needed one.
The guest was then directed to the second station where he signed a
release form for the injection. From there he was taken to a room
where the injection was given.
Prior to the vaccine general health questions were asked of the
recipient. Those who have a medical history or allergies are asked
to remain in the waiting area for 30 minutes. Those with no past
health issues are required to wait 15 minutes to assure there are no
adverse reactions to the injection.
During that waiting time, another ALMH staffer came by and set up
the appointment for the recipient to receive his second injection.
When the 30 minutes were up he was free to go.
Along with his appointment for injection number two, the recipient
was given a informational flier about his vaccine.
The vaccine being given at ALMH is the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19
vaccine. The possible side effects may include injection site pain,
tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever,
injection site swelling, injection site redness, nausea, feeling
unwell, swollen lymph nodes. These are light side effects that many
recipients will experience but the side effects should subside
within a short period of time.
More severe side effects include difficulty breathing, swelling of
the face and throat, increased heart rate, a bad rash all over the
body, dizziness and weakness. Those who experience these more severe
side effects should seek advice from a medical professional. Many of
these side effects will come on soon after the injection, which is
why guests are expected to stay in the waiting room for at least 15
minutes.
According to ALMH, “Side effects after the COVID-19 vaccination are
normal and to be expected. The first dose tells your body to “Wake
Up.” It tells your body how to recognize the virus that causes
Covid-19 so you can start to build antibodies.
“The second dose tells your body to “Start Fighting.” The side
effects some people feel after the second dose are your immune
response kicking in to fight what it thinks is the virus that causes
Covid-19.
“Even after your second shot is fully effective, it remains
important to continue to wash your hands, wear a mask and watch your
distance to stop the spread of Covid-19.”
Also stated, the first injection is 50 percent effective in warding
off coronavirus two weeks after the injection. After the second
injection the vaccine is 95 percent effective at two weeks.
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Even though the injection does a great job of helping protect from getting the
disease, it is still advised that recipients continue to wear face masks in
public and maintain regular hand washing routines. Paper masks should be
disposed of and cloth masks washed on a frequent basis.
Currently, those eligible to receive the vaccine are essential workers and all
persons age 65 and older.
Next week the parameters will increase to include all persons age 16 to 64 with
health conditions.
Positive test numbers are down considerably in Logan County and the public is
encouraged to continue on with social distancing, avoiding gatherings, wearing
face masks and frequent hand washing.
Clinics at the Logan County Department of Public Health and at ALMH require
reservations and book fast. For future clinic dates and information see below
this article.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but everyone needs to remain vigilant
just a bit longer.
[Nila Smith]
From the Logan County Department of Public Health:
COVID Vaccine Clinics
To recieve a COVID Vaccine from LCDPH, you MUST live or work in Logan County,
IL.
We highly suggest making your reservations online. Reservations can be made at
the links below. Phone reservations are only to be used by people who do not
have access to making their own appointments online. Please have patience as the
phone lines and voicemails may get congested. The phone number for vaccine
reservations, at the health department, is 217-7335-2317 x312. At this time, all
appointments are full but please check back to see when more will be available.
More appointment dates will be added regularly.
PLEASE NOTE: RESERVATIONS ARE NOT FINAL UNTIL CONFIRMED BY THE HEALTH
DEPARTMENT.
Details of your appointment will come with your confirmation email. Please only
schedule an appointment if you will be able to keep both your 1st and 2nd dose
appointments.
Please ensure you qualify for Phase 1A or 1B before making an appointment. Any
reservation requests for people not in Phase 1A or 1B will be denied.
CLINICS NOT AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT:
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital: There are no new dates set yet at ALMH. You
can track information on vaccine clinic dates and times at:
https://www.almh.org/COVID-19-Vaccination-Clinic |
