Saturday, February 20, 2021

Mixed feelings

 It's a beautiful sunny day here, the nicest we've had in ages. I love seeing blue sky after so much rain and all the dreary gray days. Although it's still cold out, today's the first day it's felt like spring is on the way. I'm so ready for it this year!

Late last night my left arm started to hurt from the vaccine shot. I couldn't sleep on my left side because of it and every time I rolled over in my sleep it woke me up. I also had a couple of nightmares which is unusual for me. Stress dreams, yes, but not nightmares. It may have been a result of the painful arm, or maybe it was a side effect from the vaccine itself. Either way, it's  a small price to pay for getting protection from Covid. I feel fine today aside from the sore arm.

I'm feeling a bit embarrassed by getting vaccinated so soon when so many people are still waiting for a chance. I want to tell friends about it (because it's exciting!) but I have this vague nagging feeling that I've somehow done something wrong. So many people who by rights should be ahead of me in line are still weeks or even months out, and I feel guilty about that. I've been assured that I'm being silly to feel this way. Here's how it worked out. 

A friend of Gregg's works in a large medical building here in town, and they're offering eligible people (patients and employees) the vaccine. They have to thaw out enough each day to meet likely demand. Some people fail to show for appointments, and (this blew me away) over half of the employees haven't had their first shots yet and are hesitating out of fear. So rather than risking having to throw away precious doses, the administration has quietly encouraged staff to bring in family members late in the afternoon to use up whatever's left. Of course, this is a friend, not family, but he knows about Gregg having had lung cancer and only having one lung. He's seen the devastation Covid can inflict on healthy people with no underlying issues, and he was quite adamant in inviting Gregg to come get his shot. Then he was kind enough to insist that it was perfectly okay for me to come, too. So I wasn't getting in line ahead of anyone, simply using a shot that might have ended up in the trash. 

Still, I'm very conscious of what a privilege it is to be getting the shots so early. I probably won't be shouting it from the rooftops, even though it made me want to jump for joy just out of sheer relief! I wish all my friends and all my family could get their first shots today (I include all you reading here when I say that) but as every person gets their turn we're one step closer to protection for us all. 



20 comments:

  1. I would rather see the vaccine get used than just tossed away. and I'm glad you and gregg are protected. hope your sore arm is better by tomorrow.

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  2. I have heard so many stories like this of people getting the vaccine because of different circumstances and feeling a sort of moral dilemma about it. But as you said- every person who gets vaccinated contributes to a closer time of protection for all. When you live with someone who has underlying conditions, it is absolutely the right choice to take advantage of an opportunity that comes your way. And because you deal with the public- even more so.
    I, too, felt guilty about getting mine even though I am over sixty-five which is how Florida is prioritizing shots. I can afford to stay home, already do, mostly. But they would not have given my vaccine to someone like my daughter who works with the public. That is not how it work.
    So. Here I am. And I will be able to kiss and hug all of my grandchildren because of that.

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  3. There are all sorts of nut jobs out there when it comes to the vaccine. One associate told she wasn't going to get it because the needle is longer then normal. What BS.

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  4. Well, I'm glad you two are started on the vaccinations.

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  5. I feel as if every vaccine is a step forward. I am not going to quibble about who should get it and who shouldn't. I am glad you got your shot.

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  6. Thank goodness you and Gregg got your first vaccination, and the vaccine did not go to waste. I got my second jab yesterday and it had more side effects, but nothing to complain about.

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  7. Don't feel guilty. Being in the company of scores of children, it's essential that you and all the other staff are vaccinated.

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  8. I wouldn't feel guilty, especially as some people like the pair of women in Florida queue jumped by dressing like old ladies. I guess you saw the report in your country of traffic being stuck on a freeway in snow and one vehicle was transporting vaccine and rather than it go to waste, went along the trapped cars offering the vaccine. Quite a number refused but amazingly one of the women trapped was on her way to the clinic where the same vaccine was going to be administered to her, so she had the shot there.

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  9. I can understand why you feel that way, but as others have said, the vaccine should not be wasted. We have had a similar situation here with people not turning up for their appointments etc., and vaccine centers have been encouraged to keep lists with people to contact when there is some left to,use that same day.
    Gregg certainly counts as high risk, and you as the person living with him should logically be included when he is vaccined - it makes perfect sense to complete his protection by extending it to you.
    When my Dad will finally have his vaccine, I very much hope my Mum will have hers at the same time; my sister and I will feel so relieved then.

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  10. That seems reasonable enough, that they didn't want to waste any shots so they invited people like you and Gregg to be vaccinated. No need to feel guilty about it.

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  11. I'm so happy you were able to get the shot, and it didn't go to waste. Not wasting it and getting as many people vaccinated as possible is a victory for all of us. But I also understand your concern. Apparently "vaccine jealousy" is a thing now.

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  12. I think the fact that Gregg is at risk makes it a good enough reason for you to get one at the same time. Especially in your line of work. And, as you say, you filled in a slot where the vaccine might otherwise have gone to waste. No guilt required.

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  13. Oh, I think it's fine that you got your shot. Given Gregg's health history AND the fact that you work in a school, it seems perfectly reasonable. And like you said, it might have been thrown away otherwise, and that WOULD be a crime.

    I think vaccine priorities make sense in the big picture, but there are always going to be people who get in ahead of others for one reason or another. We'll all get there eventually!

    (Having said that, I DO wish my doctor would call me already!)

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  14. It is better that the doses did not go to waste. You work in a school so you should have been allowed anyway. Don't worry; be happy!

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  15. The vaccines are a metaphor about the unfairness of Life, how we try to make it fair and logical but in the end there are quirks and chances and some of us will get the vaccine when in theory it isn't our time. I say feel fortunate you got yours and no more.

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  16. In the end, what matters is that we are edging closer to protecting people. And I'd rather something so expensive wasn't wasted

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  17. All school employees should be vaccinated for their sake, the children’s sake, and their families sake. If putting children back to school is one of the top priorities than not only should the environment be safe, so should everyone in the building.

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  18. I think You and People working in Schools should get the shot plus their families, Gregg heath needs the shot also. You both are a priority.
    People (term used very loosely)here applied in several places and then only went to one. That is why they didn't show up with extra vaccine left over and it makes me mad. I want the computer to find out who they are and fine them plus make them work at the vaccine centers. Selfish jerks. They need to be responsible.
    I have been on the list forever I am a health risk over 75 and still haven't got an appointment. Not really happy about that.
    Be safe and stay well.

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  19. I'm glad you got your vaccination. I'll get my second one in about a week. The description of what you experienced with your 1st shot is very similar to what I experienced but my arm was red and swollen for 2 weeks, but not much pain associated with it after the first few days.

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