I won't be able to get a COVID vaccine probably until later in April or early May, but what you said is how I've always felt about flu vaccines.
I remember one year I got a flu shot from Wal-Mart of all places, and they put the bandage on before they gave the shot. But the bandage had a sort of membrane or diaphragm that allowed the needle to pierce it cleanly and easily.
But that wasn't the neat thing about it. It made the shot completely painless. Not that flu shots are what I'd call painful, but it somehow took away even the tiny pinch. All I knew was the lady was taking off her gloves. I asked if she was going to do it, and she started laughing like I was trying to be funny.
Really strange. And that was the only time I'd ever received that type of vaccine procedure.
I'll have to ask my pharmacist friend about it.