The Lubbock Civic Center is currently the main hub in the city for vaccine distribution (Photo by Barrett Bergez)
The process of getting a COVID-19 vaccine in Lubbock County is truly a quick and straightforward process. From scheduling an appointment to getting your shot.
A couple weeks ago, I went online to the website for the Lubbock Civic Center and made my appointment for the morning of March 31.
When I showed up for my time slot, 10:30 to 11:00 a.m., I followed the signs to the entrance of the Civic Center. When I walked in, there was a desk for people to check in to their dose one or dose two appointments of the Moderna vaccine.
When you arrive at the Civic Center you will walk in these doors and be directed to your proper line for your dose (Photo by Barrett Bergez)
From there, I was ushered back to a big room where the people working the site gave me some paperwork establishing identity, relevant medical history, and any allergies to ingredients in the Moderna vaccine.
At the Civic Center, there is a massive room they had divided into three parts: one section with round tables for patients to fill out their paper work, one section with staffers and medical personal to administer the shot, and a waiting area for after your shot is administered.
The second section of the room had rows of tables where you are directed to an open seat. At each table, there is one volunteer to fill out the paperwork, including the time your shot was administered, and a medical professional.
The man who administered my shot was a member of the Lubbock Fire Department; however, there were also nurses and doctors that had volunteered their time and expertise.
When you get your paperwork back, you are given your vaccination card as proof you have received your dose, and it has the date you are eligible to get the second dose. On your paperwork, it also has the time of your injection, and the time you are able to leave the site at.
The third section of the space is a seating area with rows of chairs that are all evenly spaced out to accommodate for social distancing.
Once you have finished your waiting period, you walk out these doors and go on your way (Photo by Barrett Bergez)
After your injection, it’s required that you wait for 15 minutes in the observation area to make sure that patients do not have any adverse reactions to the shot. After your 15 minutes, patients check out at a desk next to the door.
According to CDC vaccination guidelines, for individuals with a history of allergic reactions, a 30-minute observation period is recommended.
The Mayo Clinic has advised that the second dose of the vaccine is more likely to come with side effects like headaches or a slight fever; however, the first does has been known to have similar side effects.
I am unsure if it was seasonal allergies or side effects from the first dose of the vaccine, but two days after my shot I had a sore throat, slight fever, and was generally fatigued.
A week after the first dose the symptoms have completely dissipated, and I am waiting to schedule my second dose and finish the vaccination process.
For information on scheduling and appointment at the Civic Center, visit their website for available dates and times.
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