As of March 9 local time in the U.S., more than 60 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and over 32 million are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Vaccination in the U.S. is speeding up, and international students' vaccination is on the horizon. Although currently, COVID-19 vaccines are prioritized for frontline workers, high-risk groups, and employees with frequent contact with the public, some students have reported successfully booking and receiving their first dose!
With vaccines so hard to get, how can you book an appointment first? What is the vaccination process like, and how do you feel afterward?
Let's follow today's CheersYou（清柚教育） special guest, Xiao C, to find out.
*The following content is Xiao C's firsthand account.
To reassure my family and myself, I wanted to get vaccinated as soon as possible
Hello, I'm Xiao C, a recent graduate of Columbia University. I'm still working in our school lab, helping a professor with some projects, and sometimes interacting with undergrad students.
Last year, when I was planning to find a summer internship, COVID-19 broke out across the U.S. After months of effort, the domestic epidemic in China was effectively controlled. My family and friends urged me to return home, but seeing classmates who went back taking classes at midnight due to the time difference, I gave up. After all, I didn't want my learning efficiency to suffer significantly.
The pandemic situation in the U.S. once made me collapse; sometimes I would cry alone at home. However, this new year has brought new hope. The widespread vaccination has helped the U.S. effectively control the outbreak.
To reassure my family and myself, I wanted to get vaccinated quickly and searched for advice everywhere, but couldn't find a way. Then a few days ago, I saw on WeChat Moments that some classmates had booked vaccine appointments. I tried, too, and successfully got one.
Here, I'd like to share my vaccination tips with you.
COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Websites
Here are some websites for booking vaccination appointments.
COVID-19 vaccines can be booked online at retail stores with pharmacies like Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens:
https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19
https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302
You can also book through government websites, but it's slower:
New Jersey:
https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine
New York:
https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
California:
https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/
A Real Account of Getting Vaccinated
On the evening of March 5th, I checked Walgreens and found available slots, so I quickly booked one.
In the U.S., the first and second doses are booked together, with a 28-day interval. Walgreens offers the Pfizer vaccine, which I heard has milder side effects than Moderna.
I found the slot on March 5th evening and booked it for the afternoon of March 8th. Over these two days, I did a lot of research, comparing the pros and cons of Pfizer and Moderna and reading feedback after vaccination.
Overall, the feedback online was acceptable. Some said they had muscle soreness and a low fever the next day but recovered quickly.
Considering that in-person classes might resume in the fall and I'd need the vaccine sooner or later, and that I could handle the side effects, I decided to go.
On March 8th, with a nervous heart, I went to the Walgreens pharmacy at 44th Street and 9th Avenue in Manhattan.
The pharmacy was small, and I wondered: could such a precious vaccine be administered in this tiny place? A doubt crossed my mind.
Inside, the vaccination area was at the back near the prescription counter. A few people were in line, most there for the vaccine. Maintaining six feet of social distance, I waited about 15 minutes until it was my turn.
The nurse at the front desk confirmed my appointment, then gave me a form to fill out, mainly about my personal health history. After filling it out, I handed over my ID and insurance card, then waited in the waiting area.
Finally, it was my turn. Entering a small room, the nurse came in with a box and chatted happily. She asked if I'd recently had other vaccines, etc. I asked her: I've seen many people online say they had strong reactions after the vaccine; is that true?
The nurse said they've followed up with many recipients and found most are fine, and vaccination is very effective and necessary.
She also told me something shocking: she said the vaccine has a very short shelf life; they have to take it out of the fridge and let it warm to room temperature for activity. If someone books but doesn't show up, the vaccine can't be kept until the next day and has to be thrown away!
My jaw dropped! How many doses are wasted every day in the U.S. if people don't show up...
The injection was very quick, no different from a flu shot.
She added that many Americans believe in conspiracy theories, thinking the vaccine is a government scheme. Even when they have the chance, many choose not to get vaccinated. Many of them are supporters of the former U.S. president, believing COVID-19 is just like a cold.
Only about 60% of the daily vaccine slots are actually used, meaning around 40% of doses at this site go to waste. I could see the frustration in the healthcare worker's eyes.
After vaccination, they gave me a CDC vaccination card, telling me I needed it for the second dose 28 days later. I was also required to stay for 10 minutes of observation; with no adverse reactions, I left.
Final Thoughts
Two days have passed since the shot, and besides some soreness in my left arm, I have no other adverse reactions.
I encourage all international students who are eligible to book their appointment and practice scientific prevention. This year has been tough. International students staying in the U.S. are under great mental pressure.
I have a friend who accidentally had COVID-19 with very mild symptoms, but that shouldn't be taken as proof the virus isn't lethal. We must keep taking precautions seriously and trust science.
Lastly, if many vaccination sites are fully booked, try refreshing the appointment websites between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m.
I wish everyone a smooth vaccination process, a key step in pandemic prevention. I look forward to meeting you all in person in the second half of the year!
