We drove to Phoenix yesterday to get our first dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine. We went to the state run site at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. I had an 8:15 PM appointment and the wife’s appointment was at 8:21 PM. We drove down early and had dinner. Dinner was over early so we decide to see if we can get the vaccine early. We arrived at the Stadium at 7:10 PM, an hour early. No problem, they waved us straight in.

The process started with cars arriving in a single line. The first volunteer checked our appointment documentation and then wrote our appointment numbers on our windshield. This is how they would identify us as we drove thru the process. We then entered the area and proceeded to the back of a line of vehicles in a switchback queue like you were at Disneyland. This line moved fairly quickly. At the front of the line the cars were divided across 10 lines. In these lines a volunteer checked your ID and asked you many health questions. They wanted to make sure you weren’t presently ill nor were subject to adverse reactions to vaccines. With satisfactory responses your windshield was checked and you were directed to one of 10 lanes to get your shot.

While waiting to receive your shot, another volunteer came to your car. They made your appointment to get your second shot and gave you the CDC card that documented your first shot. Immediately the new appointment and shot documentation showed up in my email. Also, my online patient portal was updated with all information. Very efficient, and very clear.

The next station was getting the shot. We drove into to a well lit tent. I believe we had a Resident Doctor and an RN. They asked us to lower all car windows and to turn on the interior lights. This so that we could be observed after the shot. They explained everything they were going to do. Very thorough and cheerful. We received our shot and they were told to continue down the line to the last tent.

This last stage of the process was so that we could be observed for any allergic reaction to the vaccine. They needed to watch us for 15 minutes before we could leave. We slowly moved down the line with volunteers discreetly observing us.

We made it to the tent! It was manned by an RN and a volunteer. They asked us how we were feeling, cleaned the numbers off our windshield and asked if we needed anything else. I did ask them to fill out our International Vaccination Yellow Card to show that we had received our first dose. This wasn’t a problem with them. We were told to exit and to drive safely.

Total time, about 1 hour. Very smooth and efficient; impressive that it was run by volunteers who change daily. Everybody was so nice, friendly and helpful. Well done State of Arizona!