My mom and I went two days ago to get our second COVID vaccines (Moderna) at the same place we had our first shot, the Hurst Coference Center.
The line was a little longer this time, but not by much. We had an 11:00am appointment. We were in and out in about 90 minutes, compared to the 60 minutes that we spent at the Conference Center the first time.
We did all of the paperwork ahead of time, which I strongly suggest you do, whether it is your first or second shot. If you are in Tarrant County, you can access those forms here when you register - YOU MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT.
If you're going for your second shot, make sure you have the little card from your first vaccine. It should look something like this:
Believe me, you will be asked to show this card and your completed paperwork several times, so make sure you have them! Don't be like me and drop the cards somewhere and then freak out because you're not sure where you dropped them! Some nice person was kind enough to hear me freaking and then handing me the cards that she found on the elevator! Thank you, Person!
Your card gets marked by a Bingo dauber or a sticker at each station.
After getting through the first line, you give the paperwork to a volunteer behind a computer, who will enter your information and scan your vaccine card. Then you'll be ushered into the room where the actual shots are given.
Hurst's Conference Center is pretty big, so they had six-foot tables set up all in the largest room. We were told which table number to go to. Once we got to the table, we were asked a couple of questions about allergies and how we responded to the first shot. I showed them a photo of my "Popeye" arm that I got after my initial dose.
They called an EMT over who asked me more questions, and then said I needed to wait 30 minutes after my shot to make sure things were all good.
The shot itself was marginally painful. The first dose was pretty painless. This time, I felt the medicine go in. but it was not bad at all - maybe a 1 or 2 on the pain scale. My mom (who is 75) didn't have any issues with pain either. Just keep in mind that every BODY is different, and I'm just telling you about my experience.
After waiting the 30 minutes, we left and went home.
Later that day, I started feeling sore. I checked with Mom and she was sore as well. So far, there's minimal swelling, but both of us did feel fatigued for a couple of days.
I'm glad to be finished with the process, but all-in-all, it wasn't bad for us.
If you're going to go through your county, make sure you register. Just go a search for "COVID vaccine X County" and you should find the information you need. Shots can also be obtained from family physicians and some drug stores like CVS or Walgreens. You can also look on the CDC website for locations. Not ALL places are free, so be sure to ask about charges before you go.
As of the publishing of this article, all Texans over age 18 are eligible to get the vaccines.
Here's wishing you good health and an easy vaccine experience!