A Closer Look At Rhode Island's Coronavirus Vaccination Effort

CRANSTON, RI — Across Rhode Island, thousands of coronavirus vaccines are administered each day. The Rhode Island National Guard, which has been key to the state's pandemic response since the start, set up a vaccination center in the same complex as the coronavirus field hospital near Chapel View shopping center in Cranston.

The state is in the first phase of vaccine distribution, focused on the most vulnerable Rhode Islanders. This group includes front-line medical workers, nursing home residents and others deemed to be at the highest risk.

Thursday morning, Patch and other members of the media were offered a look into the vaccination process, from symptom checking to recovery. Here's a look at what Rhode Islanders can expect when it's their turn to get the vaccine, viewed through the experience of National Guard Technical Sergeant Deirdre Salvas.

Step 1: Check-in

Anyone arriving at the site must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before entry. This includes a temperature check and a series of questions about the person's potential exposure to the virus in the past two weeks.

In this area, paperwork is completed and the person receives an information packet about the Moderna vaccine, which is used at the site.

Step 2: Preparation

The next step is getting ready to receive the vaccine. People check in at tables at the entrance to the vaccination area, which is a large, office-type space that has been sectioned off. There, a member of the National Guard checks the person's photo identification and confirms their appointment.

After their identity is confirmed, the person will move to another table, where they have the opportunity to speak with a medical professional about any questions or concerns about the vaccine.

The next step for members of the National Guard is at another booth, where their information is input into the military health record system. For others, information is collected at this step, but it is not retained by the National Guard. All information collected is stored and owned by the Rhode Island Department of Health, according to officials.

Step 3: Vaccination

Once all information has been collected, it's time to administer the vaccine. It's a quick process: The person rolls up their sleeve, their upper arm is cleaned by a medic, and the shot is given. In all, the process took less than a minute.

"It hurt less than getting a flu shot," Salvas said.

Step 4: Recovery

After the vaccine has been administered, the person must sit in the recovery area for 15 minutes to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions. In the Cranston site, dozens of chairs are set up, 6 feet apart on all sides, to allow a large volume of people. Medics are on hand in this area, as well, monitoring all patients in case someone has a reaction.

After 15 minutes, the process is complete for the day. People who schedule their appointment through their employer receive an automatically scheduled appointment for their next vaccine dose two weeks later. The process is similar for National Guard members, who schedule their second appointment as they leave. The vaccine must be administered twice for it to work.

Salvas said it was important for her to get vaccinated after losing a member of her family and a close friend to COVID-19 over the holidays.

"I feel excited, the decision to get vaccinated is a personal one to me," she said. "I wanted to be a part of the solution ... If you have concerns about the vaccine, there are plenty of resources ... ask the questions."

So far, a little under 700 Rhode Island National Guard members have been vaccinated and the plan is to vaccinate the rest of its 3,000 members based on recommendations by the state Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

National Guard Capt. Amanda Ramirez, a member of the vaccine site's operation team and a nurse practitioner when she's not on duty, said it's been an honor to be involved in the state's pandemic response effort.

"Since the beginning of COVID, the National Guard has been a big part of the response ... [We have] an excellent relationship with (the state health department)," Ramirez said. "It's been a really rewarding experience."

Coronavirus in Rhode Island: Read more

• RI Coronavirus Vaccinations: Not Enough Supply To Meet Demand
• Rhode Island Ramps Up Asymptomatic Coronavirus Testing In Schools
  
• RI Coronavirus Regulations To 'Stay The Course' For Another Month
  
• RI Surpasses 100K Coronavirus Cases, Weekly Numbers Climb