Reader letter: Vaccine experience at Sportsplex was exceptional

After receiving my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the St. Clair College Sportsplex, I am compelled to share my “white glove” from start to finish experience.

I received an email containing appointment date/time, what to bring (health card), address/driving directions and what to wear.

Boxes of individually wrapped surgical masks stood next to a touchless hand sanitizer dispenser. I don a new mask and face shield.

The physically distanced lineup moves quickly to tables of cheery, tablet-wielding professionals. I’m asked for my health card, thanked and told to keep it handy “every step of the way.”

Another walk to a table for final clearance. Clearly part of this well-trained person’s job was to keep everyone calm, happy and the line moving.

At the end of a well-marked corridor, a friendly person directs me into a cubicle of white vinyl “walls.” Inside, there’s a brand-new-clean chair, side table, coat-hook, clock and dry-erase chart.

I’m struck by the colourful 3-D photos taped to each “wall”, creating an illusion of looking “out” at grass, trees and flowers.

Nurse Louise wheels in a cart and pulls the white vinyl curtain liner closed. She’s cheerful, respectful, discreet, explaining everything she’s going to do before doing it and what’s going to happen next.

I peruse the vaccine after-care guide during the required “post-shot” 15-minute waiting period.

Louise reappears in exactly 15 minutes, advising the time/date of my second dose; email confirmation/documentation has been sent. Then she hands me a miniature Aero chocolate bar.

So well-organized, efficient, considerate. Not only pleasant, but almost fun. Hats off to everyone involved.

Karen Tinsley, Windsor

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