To the Journal editor:

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine distributed to the residents of Marquette County is a Herculean task with many complex and detailed issues to address and coordinate, including organizing a system to get people scheduled, securing and storing the vaccines in the appropriate conditions, making arrangements for a vaccination site with trained medical people, Michigan National Guard members, and other volunteers to ensure an effective traffic flow and safety while people move through the steps of checking in (i.e., completing the paperwork, getting vaccinated, waiting for 15 minutes following their vaccination, and getting a date for their second vaccination).

I have family and friends in other parts of the country who lament how time-consuming and frustrating it has been for them to get on a list to be scheduled. Some have spent hours for days calling a number over and over again, only to find out that there were no more slots available at that time.

One friend who lives in Lower Michigan had an appointment for a second Moderna vaccine only to discover when he got there that they only had Pfizer vaccines that day and he had to be rescheduled.

The entire process for me and my family members in Marquette has been easy and as pleasant as getting a vaccine during a pandemic situation can be! From the moment I entered the vaccination site at Northern Michigan University, I was guided through each of the steps by people who were pleasant and respectful.

The layout of the rooms was spacious and well-organized as I moved through the various steps of the process. There were even snacks and beverages available while you wait after the shot to make sure there are no adverse reactions.

Congratulations to Marquette Public Health Department and NMU for an outstanding job with COVID-19 vaccine distribution!