Getting the Vaccine

Usually we write about yoga topics like anatomy, philosophy, history and such. Today we have a different purpose, because these are extraordinary times. This morning we got the first dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine.

In Northern Minnesota, about an hour from where we live, is a large vaccination site. It is in a curling arena, right next door to the National Hockey Hall of Fame. In the past few days, word began spreading that they were not filling the available appointments for vaccine shots. One day it was 30 slots that went unfilled, and yesterday it was 400, which is about half of the capacity of the site. So, in order to vaccinate as many people as possible, they encouraged anyone to make an appointment and come, regardless of age (as long as you're over 18, of course).

The place is remarkably well-run. Its huge open room is divided into corridors for filling out paperwork, waiting in line, actually getting the jab, and finally waiting for 15–30 minutes in case of any allergic reaction. Everything ran smoothly, all the way from scheduling the appointment online, checking in and getting the shot itself.

The curling arena and vaccination site in Eveleth, MN.

Scientific experts say that this pandemic will only end when the world reaches herd immunity. Vaccination plays a pivotal role in that goal. Leaders have also encouraged us to talk about getting vaccinated and post pictures, since some still fear or distrust vaccines or consider them pointless.

Throughout this pandemic, we have made an effort to listen to respected scientific leaders and follow their advice. We are relatively young and healthy, but it is clear that our actions affect others who are more vulnerable, including our own parents, grandparents and families. In order to do our part, we (like so many others) drastically changed our lives over the past year. We thought that we would have to wait until the summer to get the vaccine, due to our age and health histories. We were fortunate to have this opportunity to get vaccinated, and we took it! We hope that you and your loved ones (and everybody else too) gets vaccinated as soon as you can.

THANK YOU
Thanks to all health care workers. Thanks to nurses and doctors in ICUs and ERs and other facilities who have been on the frontline, dealing with the immediacy and urgency of the pandemic. Thanks to the scientists and technicians who enabled several novel vaccines to be created in record time. Thanks to the volunteers who donate their time at the vaccination sites. And thanks to all of you who have changed your patterns, habits and lives for the greater good. ​