For a reporter on the Covid-19 beat, 'Vax Day' comes full circle

Thursday was the long-awaited 'Vax Day' in Washington state. Everyone 16 and older is now eligible to get a Covid-19 vaccine.

KUOW reporter Anna Boiko-Weyrauch has been covering the pandemic for over a year now. She got her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine Thursday at the Skagit County Fairgrounds. She told Kim Malcolm how it went, with her characteristic eye for detail, sense of humor, and an undeniable rush of emotion.

I got vaccinated in a red barn building that is for quilts, sewing, and needlework. I don't know if they intended that pun when they sited the injection site.

It was very relaxed. People were super-friendly, and could not have been more friendly and helpful there.

You get vaccinated there sort of surrounded by hospital curtains. They have a little box of tissues because people tend to get emotional. Sometimes they get surprised by how emotional they are.

It all seemed to be going just fine for me until about 20 minutes after. I had a response that is not uncommon, but really has nothing to do with the vaccine and has everything to do with just my body and my predisposition.

My hands and feet started to tingle and I got a little lightheaded and a little woozy. (Note: This is called a "vasovagal reaction" and is not an allergic reaction to the vaccine. It is thought to be caused by the vaccination process and not the vaccine itself.)

I had to sit down. They got me a box of fruit punch and an ice pack to put on my forehead. They let me lie down. Within a half hour, 45 minutes, I felt a lot better. I didn't faint, but that's more than I can say for the last time I gave blood when I passed out cold.

I've been covering the pandemic and trying to live through it and get through it at the same time. I've never lived a story and reported on the story at the same time.

I've seen so many people — I'm gonna get a little emotional — I've seen so many people get injected since December. I've asked them the same question that you're asking me now. I was so excited for this day to come because this is the first day that I'm eligible.

My friends and family have gotten vaccinated, and I felt like it was finally my turn, that today it was my turn, and I was gonna take my turn.

And you know, the pandemic is still here, but Kim, in six weeks the CDC says that we can have tea together, and I'm really thankful for that.

Listen to the interview by clicking the play button above.