After months of anticipation, I have finally received my first dose of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccination here in Yokohama, Japan! Although I have been worried sick over possibly catching, and spreading the virus, I actually was not in any hurry to fight and scramble for a vaccination. Many people are calling dozens of clinics to get a vaccination reservation, and I just don't have the energy or time to do it.

I received the "voucher" and information packet back in June, but it was stated that I needed to wait until August to receive another notification. At the earliest, my age group wouldn't be until July anyway. So, I sat pretty until my boss kept asking me about my plan for the vaccination. 

My job has an affiliated doctor, and he was willing to give extras to us in case anyone cancelled. So, I said sure, I don't mind getting a vaccination though him because it is easy enough. However, in the next week, my boss said that we are able to be get vaccinated early due to our company being able to receive "priority inoculation". 

Right now, jobs that can receive priority inoculation professions classified under: senior citizen (nursing home, home-visit, etc.), person with disabilities (community support facilities, etc.), child (kindergarten, nursery school, etc.), medical institution, university, and some other qualifying companies. I'll put the links below!

If your job qualifies, you can easily make an appointment online! I was able to sign up, my account was approved in 24 hours, and from there I was able to easily make a reservation. 

On the day of the inoculation, I was to fill out the Corona Virus Vaccination form that I received from the city, and bring it along with the voucher and sticker page (do not remove the sticker). 

The process was super easy. The staff checked my form, and off I went! The doctor asked me if I had any allergies, etc, and then told me some of the side-effects of the vaccination, as I was to receive the Moderna vaccination.

After that, I received the shot in my left shoulder, and was told to rest for 15 minutes. I received a paper that had information about side-effects, and after that I received my forms back and I was told to come back in four weeks.

It was all over in 20 minutes! The downside is if you don't speak Japanese, it may be confusing, but other than that, I am looking forward to receiving my second shot. I really wish this was available for all people, as I know the virus is really taking a toll on people's mental health.

As for side-effects. Only a headache and super sore arm. I drank a lot of Aquarius and water, which helped clear up the headache. The second day, I took Bufferin for my arm, as it was still store. 

I'll update when I receive my second shot!

Resources

COVID-19 Vaccination Finder

Tokyo Vaccination Reservation Site

Welfare Facility Vaccination Reservation Site

Medical Facilities

Company and University