On Tuesday, January 19, 2020, I became eligible to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccination- a benefit of being over 70 years old. Unfortunately, no openings could be found. However, just prior to midnight on the following Friday, January 22nd, my niece emailed me a New York State website, with openings on Long Island and Queens. I was able to secure an appointment at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens for today at noon.
I am pleased to report that I received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on January 26, 2021 without any delays or problems. Three weeks later, I received the second injection. Again, absolutely no problems. I did not even know the nurse gave me the shot! I did have a little soreness at night that quickly went again with Tylenol.
Today, March 2, 2021 is happy immunity day for me-tow weeks after the second injection. There is a definite sense of relief after getting the injections. I encourage everyone to try to schedule appointments when you are eligible. Our COVID-19 information page is updated throughout the day to assist in locating these appointment openings.
Howard Kroplick
Signage to the vaccination center at the Racing Hall is clearly marked. I was met by friendly National Guard and New York State employees who checked my appointment card and ID and asked several medically-related questions. If you don't have an appointment for the day, they will not let you register to receive the vaccination.
Within 10 minutes, I was sitting by another friendly nurse who gave me the Pfizer COVID-1 vaccination. I felt absolutely no pain from the injection, more like a pinch. I also received an appointment for the second injection in three weeks. After the injection, I was asked to sit for 15 minutes to evaluate any side effects.. Again, I felt no adverse symptoms and seven hours later there is still not pain in my arm. Update: Some stiffness in the arm during night. Tylenol seem to work with no pain in the morning.
Overall, I was very impressed with the organization of the vaccination center. More importantly, I felt great relief that I had begun the process to personally combat COVID-19.
The vaccination appointment websites are posted on this website and checked throughout the day for openings. If you wish to receive an early alert to these openings, please register for the Roslyn Landmark Society newsletter.
Howard Kroplick
2 Comments
I’m 66, male, with MS. Walking is a hardship. My experience at Aquaduct was a scary challenge. To begin with, even with my handicap parking permit, parking spaces were too far from the entrance and there weren’t enough spots. It was raining, so holding an umbrella and a cane was very difficult. Btw the national guard and others were very nice and informative but no one offered a helping hand. Too much walking and I’m already dreading of my return experience for the second shot. I should have gone to Jones beach where I heard you don’t even have to get out of the car.
I hope greater assistance can be offered to those in need.
Excellent and organized. Thank you National Guard!