NBC 7’s Artie Ojeda heard from two health care workers about their vaccine experiences.
Local frontline health care workers began to receive Pfizer’s COIVD-19 vaccine this week as San Diego County began to roll out the historic vaccination in what appears to be a glimmer of hope in the monthslong coronavirus pandemic.
During the vaccine rollout, Brittanee Randle, an emergency room nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital, was the first San Diego civilian to get the shot on Tuesday and she said she was happy to have been able to set a good example.
“It was important for me to be an example for the people in my community and my family to get the vaccine,” Randle told NBC 7.
There it is! Brittanee Randall, 27, an emergency room nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital is the first non-military San Diego recipient of the Covid-19 vaccine. #nbc7pic.twitter.com/T3s7jWk5Vd
The 27-year-old did not expect to be the region’s first civilian recipient of the new vaccine and described her experience as “great.”
"The person administering it was awesome,” she said at the time. “I'm actually afraid of needles and I didn't even feel it."
When she spoke with NBC 7 a day after she got the shot, Randle did report feeling a twinge of pain in the area of the injection – one of the side effects of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine.
“A few hours after I got the injection, I did have some sight soreness and some tenderness in my left arm and when I woke up this morning, I actually did have a lot more soreness there,” she said.
Both the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines were developed using mRNA—short for messenger RNA— technology. Here is how they work.
Other common side effects from the vaccine include fatigue, headache, chills and fever but Randle said she did not suffer from any such thing after receiving the shot.
Randle, a Duke University graduate, said the significance of being the first San Diegan to receive the novel vaccine was not lost on her. She reflected on previous decades in which people of color would not have had immediate access to such a vaccine.
“If this was 60 years ago, a brown or a Black person wouldn’t be considered to even be the first person, and people of color are the first people – the essential workers, the larger work force -- and we have a higher prevalence of catching COVID,” she said. “I think it’s important to understand that yeah, we have these side effects but I think that the side effects are minimal in comparison to the devastation of what COVID has done to our economy, our bodies and we have the opportunity as a community to be able to consent to take the vaccine and ask these questions.”
She said she understands if people are hesitant to immediately take the new vaccine, but she hopes that those individuals would reconsider as they see more people taking it.
NBC 7 San Diego
One of the vaccine super stations in San Diego County.
Sandy Huffaker/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A volunteer, or “promotora,” distributes pamphlets to people at a charity food drive in San Diego, California, U.S., on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Local health officials are doing everything they can to get shots to day workers, part of a much larger effort to vaccinate San Diego’s Latino population. Photographer: Sandy Huffaker/Bloomberg via Getty Images
San Diego Fire-Rescue
A member of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department injecting a patient with the coronavirus vaccine.
Joe Little, NBC 7
UC San Diego Health set up a mobile vaccination unit outside the Jensen Meat Company in Otay Mesa.
Joe Little, NBC 7
People wait in the shade for their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the Petco Park Super Station.
NBC 7
Members of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego receive their COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday, March, 4, 2021.
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is helping to administer coronavirus vaccines in San Diego County through a site at the Balboa Municipal Gym inside Balboa Park. On Feb. 16 through Feb. 18, the SDFD will offer vaccinations for those age 65 and older, with eligibility verification and by appointment only. The SDFD said it had some extra doses of the vaccine available and wanted to get it to as many eligible San Diegans as possible. On Feb. 18, the vaccinations via the SDFD will happen at the Malcolm X Library on Market Street.
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is helping to administer coronavirus vaccines in San Diego County through a site at the Balboa Municipal Gym inside Balboa Park. On Feb. 16 through Feb. 18, the SDFD will offer vaccinations for those age 65 and older, with eligibility verification and by appointment only. The SDFD said it had some extra doses of the vaccine available and wanted to get it to as many eligible San Diegans as possible. On Feb. 18, the vaccinations via the SDFD will happen at the Malcolm X Library on Market Street.
Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Signage for a Covid-19 vaccination site run by UC San Diego Health on the University of California San Diego (UCSD) campus in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, California, U.S., on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. UCSD is staging courses outdoors in open-sided tents and plans to have 12 tents on campus by the end of January. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Sandy Huffaker/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
California Governor Gavin Newsom (back) listens as San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria speaks to members of the media during a press conference at Petco Park, February 8, 2021 in San Diego, California, during a visit to the Petco Park Vaccination Supersite. – The Petco Park Vaccination Supersite, which is hosted in a parking lot next to the ballpark, is a partnership between San Diego County, the San Diego Padres baseball team and UC San Diego Health and has capacity to dole out about 5,000 COVID-19 vaccines per day. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker / POOL / AFP) (Photo by SANDY HUFFAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Sandy Huffaker/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
California Governor Gavin Newsom (C) bumps elbows with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria after a press conference at Petco Park, February 8, 2021 in San Diego, California, during a visit to the Petco Park Vaccination Supersite. – The Petco Park Vaccination Supersite, which is hosted in a parking lot next to the ballpark, is a partnership between San Diego County, the San Diego Padres baseball team and UC San Diego Health and has capacity to dole out about 5,000 COVID-19 vaccines per day. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker / POOL / AFP) (Photo by SANDY HUFFAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Sandy Huffaker/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
California Governor Gavin Newsom (back) listens as San Diego County’s Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten speaks to members of the media during a press conference at Petco Park, February 8, 2021 in San Diego, California, during a visit to the Petco Park Vaccination Supersite. – The Petco Park Vaccination Supersite, which is hosted in a parking lot next to the ballpark, is a partnership between San Diego County, the San Diego Padres baseball team and UC San Diego Health and has capacity to dole out about 5,000 COVID-19 vaccines per day. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker / POOL / AFP) (Photo by SANDY HUFFAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Sandy Huffaker/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
California Governor Gavin Newsom looks on before speaking to members of the media during a press conference at Petco Park, February 8, 2021 in San Diego, California, during a visit to the Petco Park Vaccination Supersite. – The Petco Park Vaccination Supersite, which is hosted in a parking lot next to the ballpark, is a partnership between San Diego County, the San Diego Padres baseball team and UC San Diego Health and has capacity to dole out about 5,000 COVID-19 vaccines per day. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker / POOL / AFP) (Photo by SANDY HUFFAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Sandy Huffaker/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks with Supervisor Nathan Fletcher after a press conference at Petco Park, February 8, 2021 in San Diego, California, during a visit to the Petco Park Vaccination Supersite. – The Petco Park Vaccination Supersite, which is hosted in a parking lot next to the ballpark, is a partnership between San Diego County, the San Diego Padres baseball team and UC San Diego Health and has capacity to dole out about 5,000 COVID-19 vaccines per day. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker / POOL / AFP) (Photo by SANDY HUFFAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire/Facebook
Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire helped vaccinate residents of Borrego Springs on Jan. 30, 2021, who met the coronavirus vaccination eligibility requirements. “There is a need to vaccinate our community’s rural populations,” the agency posted on Facebook. “Our local Fire and EMS agencies in SD County will continue working side-by-side providing vaccinations to our rural communities, in an effort known as Operation Collaboration.”
Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire/Facebook
Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire helped vaccinate residents of Borrego Springs on Jan. 30, 2021, who met the coronavirus vaccination eligibility requirements. “There is a need to vaccinate our community’s rural populations,” the agency posted on Facebook. “Our local Fire and EMS agencies in SD County will continue working side-by-side providing vaccinations to our rural communities, in an effort known as Operation Collaboration.”
NBC 7
The County opened the region’s third Vaccination Super Station on Jan. 31, 2021 at the California State University San Marcos Sports Center.
NBC 7
The County opened the region’s third Vaccination Super Station on Jan. 31, 2021 at the California State University San Marcos Sports Center.
NBC 7
The County opened the region’s third Vaccination Super Station on Jan. 31, 2021 at the California State University San Marcos Sports Center.
NBC 7
The County opened the region’s third Vaccination Super Station on Jan. 31, 2021 at the California State University San Marcos Sports Center.
People in the Phase 1B priority group wait in line to receive doses of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at a mass vaccination super site operated by Sharp HealthCare inside a former Sears store in Chula Vista, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. California and other large states are loosening Covid restrictions just as scientists warn that more-contagious variants of the virus are beginning to take hold in the U.S. and the vaccine rollout struggles. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
People wearing protective masks leave after receiving doses of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at a mass vaccination super site operated by Sharp HealthCare inside a former Sears store in Chula Vista, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. California and other large states are loosening Covid restrictions just as scientists warn that more-contagious variants of the virus are beginning to take hold in the U.S. and the vaccine rollout struggles. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
People in the Phase 1B priority group wait in a monitoring area after receiving doses of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at a mass vaccination super site operated by Sharp HealthCare inside a former Sears store in Chula Vista, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. California and other large states are loosening Covid restrictions just as scientists warn that more-contagious variants of the virus are beginning to take hold in the U.S. and the vaccine rollout struggles. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
People in the Phase 1B priority group wait in line to receive doses of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at a mass vaccination super site operated by Sharp HealthCare inside a former Sears store in Chula Vista, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. California and other large states are loosening Covid restrictions just as scientists warn that more-contagious variants of the virus are beginning to take hold in the U.S. and the vaccine rollout struggles. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Unused vaccination stations at a mass vaccination super site operated by Sharp HealthCare inside a former Sears store in Chula Vista, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. California and other large states are loosening Covid restrictions just as scientists warn that more-contagious variants of the virus are beginning to take hold in the U.S. and the vaccine rollout struggles. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Vials of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at a mass vaccination super site operated by Sharp HealthCare inside a former Sears store in Chula Vista, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. California and other large states are loosening Covid restrictions just as scientists warn that more-contagious variants of the virus are beginning to take hold in the U.S. and the vaccine rollout struggles. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
NBC 7
The downtown vaccination super station during a winter storm on Jan. 25, 2021.
Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images
SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 11: Healthcare workers wait to receive their COVID-19 vaccine in the tailgate lot of PETCO Park on January 11, 2021 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
Getty
Healthcare workers wait in their vehicles at a drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site operated by UC San Diego Health near Petco Park in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021.
Lakeside Fire Protection District/Facebook
On Jan. 17, 2021, the Lakeside Fire Protection District posted this photo on Facebook showing Lakeside firefighters administering coronavirus vaccinations in the community. The agency said it is working with Santee Fire, San Miguel Fire, and Cal Fire as part of a project called “Operation Collaboration,” described as “an effort to vaccinate residents in longterm care facilities throughout the county.” As of Jan 17, the Lakeside Fire Protection District said the operation had vaccinated nearly 1,000 residents, with more vaccinations planned for the following weeks.
Lakeside Fire Protection District/Facebook
On Jan. 17, 2021, the Lakeside Fire Protection District posted this photo on Facebook showing Lakeside firefighters administering coronavirus vaccinations in the community. The agency said it is working with Santee Fire, San Miguel Fire, and Cal Fire as part of a project called “Operation Collaboration,” described as “an effort to vaccinate residents in longterm care facilities throughout the county.” As of Jan 17, the Lakeside Fire Protection District said the operation had vaccinated nearly 1,000 residents, with more vaccinations planned for the following weeks.
Lakeside Fire Protection District/Facebook
On Jan. 17, 2021, the Lakeside Fire Protection District posted this photo on Facebook showing Lakeside firefighters administering coronavirus vaccinations in the community. The agency said it is working with Santee Fire, San Miguel Fire, and Cal Fire as part of a project called “Operation Collaboration,” described as “an effort to vaccinate residents in longterm care facilities throughout the county.” As of Jan 17, the Lakeside Fire Protection District said the operation had vaccinated nearly 1,000 residents, with more vaccinations planned for the following weeks.
Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images
SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 11: Healthcare workers wait to receive their COVID-19 vaccine in the tailgate lot of PETCO Park on January 11, 2021 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images
SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 11: A healthcare worker prepares to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in the tailgate lot of PETCO Park on January 11, 2021 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A healthcare worker uses a portable workstation at a drive-thru Covid-19 vaccination site operated by UC San Diego Health near Petco Park in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. California, where the latest surge in the virus has filled hospitals and morgues, reported its worst day for fatalities so far. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Healthcare workers use portable workstations at a drive-thru Covid-19 vaccination site operated by UC San Diego Health near Petco Park in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. California, where the latest surge in the virus has filled hospitals and morgues, reported its worst day for fatalities so far. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
NBC 7
Veterans vaccinated in South Bay San Diego County.
Sharp Healthcare
A San Diego Police Department Sergeant receives the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Sharp Memorial Hospital Vaccination Clinic.
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health
Mario Tama/Getty Images
CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 21: Long-term care patient Carlos Alegre receives a Band-Aid after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from licensed vocational nurse Virgie Vivar at Birch Patrick Skilled Nursing Facility at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center on December 21, 2020 in Chula Vista, California. 72-year-old Alegre is the first patient to receive the vaccine in San Diego County. Long-term care patients and frontline workers are among those in the CDC’s highest priority group for vaccination. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Mario Tama/Getty Images)
CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 21: Long-term care patient Carlos Alegre smiles after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Birch Patrick Skilled Nursing Facility at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center on December 21, 2020 in Chula Vista, California. 72-year-old Alegre is the first patient to receive the vaccine in San Diego County. Long-term care patients and frontline healthcare workers are among those in the CDC’s highest priority group for vaccination. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Mario Tama/Getty Images)
CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 21: Long-term care patient Carlos Alegre receives the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Birch Patrick Skilled Nursing Facility at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center on December 21, 2020 in Chula Vista, California. 72-year-old Alegre is the first patient to receive the vaccine in San Diego County. Long-term care patients and frontline healthcare workers are among those in the CDC’s highest priority group for vaccination. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Mario Tama/Getty Images)
CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 21: Sharp HealthCare caregivers gather to watch before long-term care patient Carlos Alegre receives the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Birch Patrick Skilled Nursing Facility at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center on December 21, 2020 in Chula Vista, California. 72-year-old Alegre is the first patient to receive the vaccine in San Diego County. Long-term care patients and frontline healthcare workers are among those in the CDC’s highest priority group for vaccination. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Mario Tama/Getty Images)
CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 21: Respiratory therapist Andrew Hoyt cares for a COVID-19 patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, with the word ‘Merry’ posted on the window a few days before Christmas, on December 21, 2020 in Chula Vista, California. According to state figures, Southern California currently has 0 percent of its ICU (Intensive Care Unit) bed capacity remaining amid a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Rady Children's Hospital
A health care worker at Rady Children’s Hospital stores the Moderna vaccine in a refrigerator. The hospital announced Monday that it received its first batch of Moderna’s vaccine.
NBC 7
Carlos Alegre, a long-term care patient at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, was believed to be the first patient in San Diego County to receive Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 21, 2020.
Brianna Salas was among the first frontline health care workers to receive the Pfizer/BioNtech coronavirus vaccine at UC San Diego Health on Dec. 16, 2020.
UC San Diego Health
Anna Cabral was among the first frontline health care workers to receive the Pfizer/BioNtech coronavirus vaccine at UC San Diego Health on Dec. 16, 2020.
A team helps distribute the Pfizer/BioNtech coronavirus vaccine at UC San Diego Health on Dec. 16, 2020.
Frontline health care workers receive the Pfizer/BioNtech coronavirus vaccine at UC San Diego Health on Dec. 16, 2020.
Kaiser Permanente San Diego/Twitter
NBC 7
Brittanee Randle, 27, an emergency room nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital, was the first person in San Diego County, non-military, to receive Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Getty Images
Vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, top left, sodium chloride, syringes and alcohol wipes at Naval Medical Center San Diego in San Diego, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. The first Covid-19 vaccine shots were administered by U.S. hospitals Monday, the initial step in a historic drive to immunize millions of people as deaths surpassed the 300,000 mark. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
An AcuTemp AX56L mobile refrigerator/freezer unit containing doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center San Diego in San Diego, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. The first Covid-19 vaccine shots were administered by U.S. hospitals Monday, the initial step in a historic drive to immunize millions of people as deaths surpassed the 300,000 mark. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A member of the U.S. Navy prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center San Diego in San Diego, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. The first Covid-19 vaccine shots were administered by U.S. hospitals Monday, the initial step in a historic drive to immunize millions of people as deaths surpassed the 300,000 mark. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
U.S. Navy personnel prepares doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center San Diego in San Diego, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. The first Covid-19 vaccine shots were administered by U.S. hospitals Monday, the initial step in a historic drive to immunize millions of people as deaths surpassed the 300,000 mark. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A healthcare worker receives the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at Naval Medical Center San Diego in San Diego, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. The first Covid-19 vaccine shots were administered by U.S. hospitals Monday, the initial step in a historic drive to immunize millions of people as deaths surpassed the 300,000 mark. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Getty Images
A healthcare worker gets ready to get the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine shot at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California on December 15, 2020. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Getty Images
Rachel Marrs (L) gives the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine shot to Michelle Gaano a Registered Nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California on December 15, 2020. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Getty Images
Occupational Health Nurse Maureen Finnegan (L) gives Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine shot to Medical Director of Infectious Diseases, Dr. John Bradley at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California on December 15, 2020. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Getty Images
Occupational Health Nurse Maureen Finnegan (L) gives Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine shot to Dr. Heather Pierce a Pediatric hospitalist at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California on December 15, 2020. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Getty Images
Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine is pictured at Rady Children’s Hospital before it’s placed back in the refrigerator in San Diego, California on December 15, 2020. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Getty Images
Pharmacist Manager Ron D’Ulisse opens the refrigerator currently used to store Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California on December 15, 2020. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Getty Images
Pharmacy Technician Kevin Ros (R) prepares Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine before it is administered to healthcare workers at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California on December 15, 2020. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Getty Images
Pharmacist Manager Ron D’Ulisse speaks to Occupational Health Nurse Maureen Finnegan before she administers Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine to frontline medical workers at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California on December 15, 2020. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Pharmacy Technician Kevin Ros (R) prepares Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine before it is administered to healthcare workers at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California on December 15, 2020. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
COVID-19 vaccine at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego
COVID-19 vaccine at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health took a screengrab of the exact moment -- 7:14 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2020 -- when the facility received it's first batch of the coronavirus vaccine.
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health was among some of the first facilities in San Diego County to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020.
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health was among some of the first facilities in San Diego County to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020.
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health was among some of the first facilities in San Diego County to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020.
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health was among some of the first facilities in San Diego County to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020.
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health was among some of the first facilities in San Diego County to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020.
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health received its first order of the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020.
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health was among some of the first facilities in San Diego County to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020.
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health was among some of the first facilities in San Diego County to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020.
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health was among some of the first facilities in San Diego County to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020.
NBC 7
Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego received the coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 14, 2020. The facility was chosen as a storage site for the vaccine because it is equipped with large capacity sub-zero freezers perfect for storing the medicine.
Frontline health care workers receive the Pfizer/BioNtech coronavirus vaccine at UC San Diego Health on Dec. 16, 2020.
Amy Markley was among the first frontline health care workers to receive the Pfizer/BioNtech coronavirus vaccine at UC San Diego Health on Dec. 16, 2020.
San Diego County
“I think it’s great to ask questions and keep asking questions but ultimately, you need to make the best decision for you and for me, that was to get the vaccine,” Randle said.
The young nurse is due to get her second dose of the shot in January and she hopes other health care workers would consider getting the shot as soon as possible.
“I think, especially as essential workers and people that look up to us in the community, it is our obligation to lead by example and to show people that hey, this change is scary but if we don’t make these sacrifices to work toward change, we’re going to be in the same spot nine months from now,” she said.
