Joanna Ball, a home health aide (included in Phase 1A) in Beaverton, shared her vaccine experience:  

For me it was important to get vaccinated because I am a two-time stroke survivor that used to be a paraplegic but made a full recovery. I got vaccinated because of my work with seniors and people with disabilities, and also because strokes are one of the side effects of COVID, so it puts me at high risk. 

I had both vaccines at the Ron Tonkin stadium in Hillsboro near West Side Kaiser. I had my first vaccine on Jan. 9. My only side effect then was some arm pain. It felt like I had been punched in the shoulder for a couple of days. I received my second dose on Feb. 6. Again, I only had the arm pain, which was a little worse this time, but it only lasted a few days both times. 

I have helped all my clients and my mother get vaccinated. If you are having a hard time getting an appointment, keep trying. I have found appointments with pharmacies at all hours of the day by sheer luck. 

This article first appeared in the March 18, 2021 issue of Oregon Coronavirus Update.