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Depending on what book or movie you read or watch, and whether that book or movie is fiction or nonfiction – the Holy Grail is traditionally described as the cup that Jesus Christ drank from at the Last Supper and that Joseph of Arimathea used to collect Jesus’s blood at his crucifixion. Alternatively described as an ornate chalice or a plain wooden cup, the Holy Grail has been sought after for centuries. Today there are roughly 200 alleged Grail cups in various locations around the world, and many scholars question whether the Holy Grail ever existed at all or is merely a legend.
Has the COVID-19 vaccine become our Holy Grail?
The search for a vaccination appointment has become like a search for the unobtainable Holy Grail.
My personal quest began when I realized that I luckily (or unluckily) qualified for a vaccine due to my diabetes. But finding an open appointment was darn near impossible.
One recent Saturday morning I was up early and decided to check my county’s website for an open appointment. Astonishingly I found one – and went through the registration process to secure a date/time. Being the good son-in-law that I am (cough, cough) I went back into the system to see if I could get my elderly mother-in-law an appointment as well. Luck was on my side as I managed to get her an appointment – but there was a roadblock. I needed to upload a copy (front and back) of her health insurance identification card. Have you ever tried to explain to a 75-year-old, over the phone, how to use an iPhone to take and send a picture of something? I graciously handed that task over to my wife who is infinitely more patient than I am with these sorts of tasks and within 30 minutes we had her registered as well.
The location for the vaccine was in a vacant sporting goods store. My appointment was at 9 am, which was the first of the day.
As I drove into the parking lot, there was a definite feel of a military-like operation. It almost felt like a scene from a sci-fi movie where civilians are being taken to safety as either the world is about to end or invasion from space aliens is imminent.
Cones were set up to guide you to the parking lot, police officers were stationed everywhere, loud speakers were set up and a disembodied voice was repeating “Please stay in your car until your time is called.” While not apocalyptic, it certainly gave off that vibe.
I dutifully waited in my car until my time slot was called.
Once called I made my way to the waiting line outside the door. County workers were still bringing in tables and chairs, putting up signs, etc.
I waited.
On-line we were asked to remain six feet apart. A person in front of me and the one behind me, realized they were long lost friends and had to have the loudest conversation I’ve ever heard outside of dance club.
Finally, the line moved and we went in. First a registration check, then on to a small waiting area, then on to the vaccination room.
I have to say it was all well-run with plenty of people to assist and guide you through the process. The local cable news channel was there and I was asked if I minded if I was filmed getting my shot. I said sure, but got my jab before he returned - oh well – there went my best chance for 15 minutes of fame.
After my shot I was brought to a socially-distanced waiting area for 15 minutes to make sure I didn’t have a reaction. Having survived the waiting time, I moved over to a scheduling desk to make an appointment for my second shot. Having done that, I was out the door. Thanking all the health care workers and police officers on the way out.
By the time you read this I will have (hopefully) received my second dose.
For someone who is usually not very lucky, I feel I lucked out getting an appointment. As time has passed and more people are looking to get their vaccinations it seems like the process has become more and more difficult.
As vaccine production and distribution ramps up in the coming weeks and months I hope more of you find your Holy Grail vaccine.