My first date with the Moderna vaccine was March 2nd at the Fishers mass vaccination site on 116th Street just east of Brooks School.  I wasn’t late for that engagement.

Last Friday, April 9, Moderna & I had our second date and just as before, I was right on time.  The first shot left me with some nausea and desire to sleep, but nothing serious.  The second shot just led to a long nap Saturday afternoon.

Whatever small side effects one may have are small stuff compared to having COVID.  I know because I tested COVID positive in late October last year and had symptoms that were unpleasant but never sent me to the hospital.  For someone my age, recovering from that virus was fortunate because I know of so many people at or near my age that did not survive.

But I feel great today, the Sunday after the shot…not 100%, but very close.  I am just grateful to Kathryn, the lady that administered the shot and to all the volunteers that keep the vaccinations rolling at the Fishers Health Department facility.

My date to be fully vaccinated is April 23.  It is a good feeling.  My wife Jane recently became fully vaccinated and that was a special day for both of us.

I will tell you that being fully vaccinated will not change my personal behavior.  I will continue to wear a mask in public and follow the CDC & local health guidelines.  That is what the experts are saying and it is just the right thing to do….protecting people around me to the extent possible.

We all must recognize that this pandemic is not over.  The state of Michigan to our north is seeing new variants of the virus spread like wildfire.   Last Friday,  Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer urged a two-week suspension of in-person high school classes, all youth sports and indoor restaurant dining.  She did not, however, issue any orders, simply said it should be done.

One reason Governor Whitmer has concerns relates to hospital beds.  A large number of hospitals in the state are full and are postponing non-emergency procedures.

I would once again ask that the people of Fishers take heed of the Health Department’s advice.  Because variants are spreading and it is unclear how much vaccinated people can spread the virus, wear the mask in public, social distance and wash your hands.

I may soon be fully vaccinated, but plan to continue following that advice until the experts say differently.  In my view, it’s the right thing to do.