I was super excited today to do my part in the fight against COVID-19 by documenting vaccine administration at the drive-through clinic at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the coolest place in the world to get a vaccine. I got up early and was at the track by 8 am. The trip from our house to the Speedway took a lot less time than it does on Race Day. Workers had been directed to enter at a certain gate and park in the infield. After a quick orientation we were sent to our assigned garages to get to work!
People in need of vaccinations started entering at 8:30 am. The public entered at a single gate, where they were greeted by National Guard troops and Health Department officials, who checked them in and sent each vehicle to one of two sets of garages. At the beginning of the garages, another National Guard member would direct each vehicle to a particular garage, depending on availability. We had capacity for two vehicles in our garage, and if needed the Guard would park a third just outside the entrance waiting to come in. After we finished, they would drive away (some down pit row!) to a waiting area, and after 15 minutes they were free to go. So easy and so important.
My job was to document vaccinations, so I would use an iPad to look up the person, verify their appointment, and put in info about the vaccine and how they received it. Then, while a clinical worker would administer the actual shot, I would schedule their follow-up appointment. This clinic was originally administering only Johnson & Johnson vaccines, the “one-and-done,” but since J&J is on a hold in the U.S., we gave Moderna instead. Which means that everyone who received their shot today needs a second dose in four weeks. Since the Speedway is kinda busy during the month of May, second doses will be given at Lucas Oil Stadium. How cool is that?
People were generally very happy to be getting vaccinated (although some were also very nervous), very impressed with the efficiency of the system, and very nice. I saw a lot of 20-something and even some 18- and 19-year-olds. Thanks to everyone who has gotten a vaccine. All of us are needed to reach herd immunity and really kick COVID to the curb!
The six-hour shift went by really quickly, and I’m hoping to be able to work at Lucas Oil next month. Kudos to the State of Indiana, the Indiana National Guard, and IU Health for some amazing organization and public service. And a HUGE thank you to Roger Penske for allowing this to take place at the Speedway. I have no doubt that some people who were on the fence about getting the vaccine decided to do it because of how unique it is to get it done at the most amazing, historic motor speedway in the world.
