By Mandy Scheuer
April 14, 2021
When I read that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services opened the COVID-19 vaccine to Group 1B on March 1, it piqued my curiosity. I had considered trying to get vaccinated but I had to think about it before I made a final decision.
Group 1B includes everybody who works in education—teachers, teacher assistants, paraeducators, and others. I thought that I would have to wait until much later this year to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. I was wrong.
Since I am a practicum student at Edgewood College and we are considered paraeducators, I was eligible for the vaccine before others.
Originally, Gov. Tony Evers said by May 1, all Wisconsin residents would be eligible to receive the vaccine. On March 30, he said the those 16 and older were eligible as of April 5 and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is helping pharmacies and other vaccination centers manage the supply as it comes into the state. .
I got my appointment to get the vaccine March 12, but I needed to show proof. So, my practicum instructor wrote a letter confirming my status. Once I got an appointment, I gathered my Edgewood College student ID card and a printed version of the appointment confirmation.
I received the vaccine at the Alliant Energy Center drive-through. As soon as my mother and I arrived at the vaccination site, I had to show one of the workers my proof of eligibility for the vaccine as well as my Wisconsin driver’s permit.
The worker was friendly and helped make the process of looking at my documents efficient. Then I waited in line in my car with about 50 other people.
My turn came quicker than I thought it would: The confirmation email said I would have to wait a maximum of 90 minutes. I was able to get my vaccine in 20 minutes.
I was nervous about getting the vaccine because I don’t like anything that has to do with needles. I received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which the Wisconsin Department of Health Services April 13 instructed providers to stop administering as federal regulators investigate reports of blood clots among people who have received it. .
The nurse told me I would feel a small poke and within a few seconds, I was done! I had no reason to be afraid.
I did end up having a terrible headache the night I got vaccinated, but I am thankful and grateful I did not have to deal with this terrible virus for long.
But after that I was filled with gratitude and relief that I will not have to constantly deal with the virus. I still wear a mask when I am with those who are not vaccinated or it is required. I am watching updates on the COVID-19 variants. We may need boosters in the future. For now, the fact that I am at least 66.3% percent protected from the virus has relieved my anxiety and given me new hope that life will return to normal soon.
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