Did you know that you can volunteer your time in exchange for a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2?
Until a couple of weeks ago, I didn’t. It’s not widely publicized.
But these volunteer-in-exchange-for-a-vaccine locations do exist. When I found out about them, I took action.
You can and should too.
Here’s what you need to know.
An Important Note
First, I need to acknowledge that not every COVID-19 vaccination site will offer a shot in exchange for your help.
But many of them do.
The ones that don’t suck, so we’ll ignore them for the remainder of this article (get it together no-trade-vaccine sites).
I volunteered at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona, received a vaccine for my help, and would do it again in a heartbeat.
Now, let me paint the picture of the scene.
Life at the Cardinals Stadium Vaccination Site
Over 500 volunteers help distribute over 9,500 vaccines a day at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
The 24-hour operation is a sight to be seen.
The vaccination site feels like a combination of a:
- Hospital
- Military operation
- Drive-thru lane
Recipients of the vaccine remain in their car. The whole process takes place in a parking lot.
If you’re getting the vaccine, you:
- Drive up and give your appointment information.
- Drive to a confirmation center.
- Drive to vaccination tent.
- Receive a shot while remaining in your vehicle.
- Book a follow-up appointment (from your car).
- Drive to a final nurse for check-out.
I used the word “drive” a lot here intentionally. One of the risks of being a volunteer at State Farm Stadium is being hit by a car.
I was one such volunteer. I did not get hit by a car.
I did get the Pfizer vaccine.
The Pros of Volunteering at a COVID-19 Vaccination Site
Let me list out a few pros for you here, in an effort to convince you to go volunteer.
#1) You’ll (Probably) Get a Vaccine.
While it may be selfish, this is the #1 reason I helped out in Glendale. I’m fucking sick of this pandemic and volunteering seemed like the most ethical way to jump the line for the vaccine. If you want to skip ahead (and still feel good about it), this is the way to go.
#2) You’re Creating the Solution.
Again, I’m fucking sick of this virus. So being part of the remedy felt good. America needs vaccines to stop the devastation of this novel coronavirus.
I’m glad I could help.
#3) You’ll be part of history.
When they write the history of 2020, COVID-19 will take front and center. When they write the history of 2021, the vaccine rollout will be a major factor. Our grandchildren will learn about the mass vaccination of the American public. Go be part of it.
Alright, that’s the good. But we need to talk about the bad now too, to prevent a lopsided article.
The Cons of Volunteering at a COVID Vaccination Site
Volunteering at a COVID vaccination site isn’t all smiles and rainbows. I need to chat about:
#1) Being Exposed to the Public.
I was around A LOT of people when I volunteered. For someone who’s been living like a hermit for the last year, it was jarring. For example, lots of fellow volunteers invaded my personal bubble while I worked. I had to lean into cars to hear people speak, so I invaded THEIR personal bubble.
What I’m trying to say is many personal bubbles were invaded.
While I wore a face shield (like a motherfucking doctor), I was still around a lot of people in the middle of a pandemic.
Gross.
#2) Working in a Parking Lot.
You know those people at In-N-Out Burger, who take orders while walking up and down the line? My job as a volunteer resembled that.
I was:
- Confirming appointments via a drive-thru-like-lane.
- In the sun.
- Breathing car exhaust.
It’s not the best working conditions (did I mention dodging traffic?).
#3) It’s a Mild Shit Show. The vaccination site is largely volunteer-run. Most people just volunteer once to grab a vaccine. So it’s a lot of people’s first time on the job.
Oh, and the person training you? It’s their first time on the job too.
In other words: first-time volunteers train other first-time volunteers.
We experienced the Telephone Game as a result: people weren’t exactly sure how to do their job.
Sure, we knew enough to check-in cars and keep things moving. But since everyone learned the job from someone who just learned the job, mistakes and confusion resulted.
Despite the cons here, I think anyone who’s able should volunteer at a vaccination site. Just know what you’re getting into.
How to Volunteer for a COVID Vaccination Site
To find volunteer gigs, google “COVID vaccine volunteer [your state].”
Onboarding may take a week or two (some locations require background checks), but even if you don’t have medical training, most sites have volunteer opportunities.
But they go quick. I had to refresh the sign-up page for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona dozens of times before I got a spot.
Hang in there.
Oh, and if anyone tells you that volunteering just to get a vaccine is unethical, please encourage them to fuck off. Vaccination sites need your help. You need a vaccine.
It’s a win-win.
Love,
Paul