Phase 1A of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution is now underway. It is currently available to healthcare personnel, long-term care facility staff and residents, adults 65 and older, and first responders. Rev. David Melton took some time with us to share his experience after receiving the first round of the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday of this week.

DUMC: How did you sign up to get the vaccine?

DAVID: I am a resident of Fulton County and 65+, so I went online to www.fultoncountyga.gov/covid-19/covid-vaccine to sign up for Phase 1A. At the time, there were 3 Fulton County vaccination sites with appointment times for me to choose from. I selected the location on North Point Parkway. I was then prompted to fill out my information, including my insurance. I noticed that there was no space to register a spouse, but there was an option for a caregiver. I put my wife, Joy, down as a “caregiver” so that we could attend the same vaccination appointment. After completing the registration, I received an email with my confirmation number. It was necessary for me to provide this confirmation number upon arrival at my vaccination location.

Please note: All counties are currently handling COVID-19 vaccination registration differently. Please visit your county’s website for the most accurate information.

DUMC: What was your experience after you arrived at your vaccination site?

DAVID: My particular site was both a COVID-19 testing and vaccination location. A drive-though was set up for the testing, while a line formed outside of the building for those who planned to receive the vaccine inside. Although we waited for a total of four hours, we were very thankful to be able to get vaccinated that day. During our wait, we began to hear from others in line that they ran out of the vaccine. Several people decided to leave at that point. Just 15 minutes later, an official worker explained to the crowd that they did run out of the vaccine, but that more would be arriving shortly. We were glad that we decided to wait it out. After receiving our vaccinations, we were provided with a QR code that we will use to go online and register for our second round, which takes place 21-28 days after the first (depending on your vaccine type – Pfizer or Moderna).

Please note: All vaccination sites provide different experiences. When speaking with other DUMC members who also received their vaccines at various locations this week, one person was able to stay in their car for a convenient drive-through vaccination. Another person reported an overall very smooth experience, with a wait time of only 30 minutes.

DUMC: Any words of advice for those who plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

DAVID: I absolutely encourage you to get vaccinated. That being said, it’s so important to remain patient and kind as these officials work to administer the vaccine as efficiently as possible. I encourage you to stay in line, even if you start hearing word about the vaccine running out at your location. Like in my case, there might be more on the way shortly. Don’t forget to wear your mask and practice distancing while waiting, too. I suggest that you communicate with friends and family about their experiences, and sign up for the vaccination sites that seem to be running smoothly and have shorter wait times.

Please note: More vaccination sites will likely become available as time goes on. We encourage you to reach out to your personal physician or wait for them to reach out to you when they are prepared to offer their patients the vaccine.

As COVID-19 cases in our area and our church family continue to rise (https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report), DUMC will offer outdoor and online worship only.

We look forward to being back together in our building in the future, and invite any church members who have received their vaccines to consider volunteering to serve as ushers.