I got the shot…

So yesterday I got myself organized and went to get my H1N1 flu shot. Quite an experience.

I filled out my forms from the City of Ottawa website. In the morning I found the place and got a wristband. I was told to come back between 2:30 and 3 p.m.

When I went back at that time there was not a parking space close by. I parked on a side street.

When I had walked back to the clinic location the number on my wristband was written down.

I sat in a room until my number was called.

I went into another room. My forms were checked. The information was entered into a computer.

I went into another room. There was someone directing people. I waited until a nurse was available and raised her arm.

The nurse was very young and pleasant to talk with. She did everything very efficiently. She gave me the shot.

I sat down and waited for 15 minutes. I was given a form - printed from the computer of course - that I had received the flu shot.

I walked back to where my car was parked and I drove home.


*****
My arm was somewhat sore and red. I put an ice pack on it.

I was somewhat tired. I had an extra long nap.

So that is that.

*****

As I was sitting around after my flu shot I thought about the whole process. A year ago H1N1 was not an issue. Since last winter it has taken up a lot of time and energy from so many people.

People have got sick and got better. Two friends have done just that. There has been a worldwide effort to get out the vaccine to everyone. In Canada the federal and provincial and municipal governments have all done their part.

So I ended up having the flu shot as part of a very large operation. They were quite well organized at the clinic that I went to. They have had a month or so of experience.