Joe Beitler

You should, too.

I got a text message from Houston Methodist Hospital last Wednesday, February 24th telling me I was eligible to get a Covid-29 Vaccination. My primary care doctor is associated somehow with the Houston Methodist Hospital. I have an app on my phone called MyMethodist. That app can give me access to all my medical records — or at least the records from visits to other doctors and service providers associated with Houston Methodist Hospital.

The text message provided a link to sign up for the shot. I was presented a number of location options. I chose The Woodlands location as it was closet to my home. Then I was presented a number of days and times as options for my visit. I chose Monday, March 1 at 8:15. I figured the sooner the better.

I was very impressed with the level of engagement that Houston Methodist Hospital provided. All via txt messages.

The Houston Methodist Hospital location in The Woodlands is at the intersection of I45N and State Hwy 242

When you arrive, try to park closely. I bypassed the parking garage and looked for a surface lot space. I found one out back. There is a lot of construction going on at the campus. Finding a surface parking spot may be a challenge. I went early so there were options. When I left, after 9am, the surface lots were full.

This picture above is of the second waiting queue. The first was on the outside of the building. There were a number of guides that were checking your name on a list. Some had a printed list and others had a list on a laptop. If your name is on the list then you’re allowed to proceed to the second line. The outside walkway had temporary awnings to help keep you out of the weather. They are the typical pop-up shades used by parents at youth sporting events. Also, there looked to be a covered drop-off option. So, for the mobility impaired, you can be dropped off at the front door.

Before you can enter your forehead temperature is scanned.

You can make out in the first picture, above, how they had appliques on the floor to help you judge 6 feet. Everyone dutifully maintained their distance. Also note, as I am part of the one of the early groups to get the vaccination, that most everyone in these pictures is older by evidence of their grey hair. Seasoned citizens.

The check-in process is simply to verify you are who you are by presenting a drivers license. And, they ask for an insurance card if you have one. Houston Methodist Hospital will bill your insurance. No worries, though, if you don’t have insurance then it is a free vaccination. This was a quick and easy step. They did ask if you have had Covid-19 or any Covid-19 treatments within the last 90 days. I had Covid-19 in November of last year and received the Monoclonal Antibodies treatment. But, that was 92 days prior to this date. So, I’m cleared.

After you get checked in, you wait in another line. This one moves quickly, too.

Again, everyone spaced 6 feet apart as we waited. You finally enter a room with 30ish cubicles set up for the vaccination. You get directed to one. Then the nurse validates you again — Name, Birthdate, etc –and within about 30 seconds you’ve been vaccinated.

Based on you health particulars you’ll be asked either to wait 15 minutes or 30 minutes. I was asked to wait 30 minutes.

They give you a little sticker that shows the recommended wait time on it. As you can see, there is a huge display with a clock displayed to help you know when it is time to leave. There was emergency medical personnel standing by. Also, a DJ!

All total, I was there less than a hour. My take away from the experience was that the Houston Methodist Hospital has figured out how to make the process very efficient.

You do leave with a vaccination record card. It just has a hand written date and the information related to the fact that you’ve received your first of two shots.

Good luck!