This vaccine thing... - YouLookFab Forum

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This vaccine thing...

Laurie

Veteran

I just have to share/vent about this Covid vaccine thing!!

I just finally secured my husband's vaccine appointments. I have spent hours and hours and hours and hours on this for weeks now, between my elderly parents in PA and my husband who is in the 1C group. I realize how stupidly lucky I was 3 weeks ago to get my Dad an appt at Rite Aid near his home, followed by my brother securing Mom's appt at another Rite Aid 75 miles away.

The last 2 weeks have been brutal though. I have been trying in 4 states for my husband- in 2 of which we have residence, and 2 of which we can drive to within 4 hours. I have been on the state of Maryland site trying for a stadium slot, the MA immunization site, CVS, Rite Aid, Giant Food, Safeway/Alberstons. I've clicked so much I think I'm developing carpal tunnel in my right wrist, no joke. Ended up at a CVS in Hampton, VA about 192 mile drive.
We're going to make the most of it - we love Williamsburg, VA as some of you know. Hampton is a few more miles south. We can get sandwiches from our favorite gourmet shop and walk around in the rain before continuing on. And we get to do it again at the end of March! Maybe some flowers will be in bloom by then.
I'm utterly wiped out by this project. But, so excited that one of us will be vaccinated, halving our risk.
Heart goes out to all who are working on this, too. Keep trying.

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39 replies

Latest reply was from Laurie

JAileen

Veteran

I know how awful it is. Luckily my mother’s retirement home handled everything for her. I have several neighbors in their 80s and 90s, and they have all had at least their first shot. My 91 YO next door neighbor didn’t get hers for a long time, but her daughter in another state made her an appointment.

A week or two ago, a friend called to let me know that a county a hour away from us was vaccinating people a category younger than our county, even vaccinating people from our county. I know, unbelievable! I told my husband and two other close friends who were or their husbands were in the next lower age group. My friend who had called, and husband of a friend each drove out for the shot. There weren’t any available because the bad weather back east. But that afternoon our governor announced all counties would be going to the same lower age group (65+). I texted this info to all three friends. The following Monday one friend called and said there were available appointments at a particular Walmart. I told my husband and he immediately got online to get an appointment. Meanwhile, I texted the other two friends. My husband, friend, and the other friend’s husband all got appointments, as well as the friend and her husband who had let me know. As of today, all five of them have had their first shots. My friend who drove out to the other county was especially desperate due to her heart condition. One friend’s husband is older and already had his, and one friend and I aren’t eligible yet. She and I are hoping they will continue opening up to another five or ten year age group rather than to everyone left.

Anonymous

I don't blame you for venting. This whole process has been crazy, and left me with many questions. It sure seems like it could have been handled better with the resources we have. I live in a city with many health resources, and yet I had to travel an hour south to a much smaller city to get my first shot. I try to tell myself there must be some method in the apparent madness, but I'm not so sure that's true. I can hardly overstate how relieved I felt after I got my first shot, because it seemed like the impossible dream for awhile.

Just for perspective, though, I was speaking with a friend today who lives in Portugal, and they won't be getting any vaccines until April. That is REALLY crazy.

rachylou

Veteran

I’m now eligible but can’t get an appointment. I was asked to keep registering and then it took a week to get a confirmation. If you get an invite, you then are supposed to enter a code - but you can’t get an appointment if you enter the code. It works if you skip it. Meanwhile two coworkers got their shots doing a walk-in, which isn’t supposed to happen, and a third was turned away at the same place, because no walk-ins... my auntie is saying sign up everywhere, but she’s in another state. Pharmacies and hospitals here are only supposed to be doing 65+. Other types have to go to stadiums and fairgrounds...

Anonymous

The province I live in just announced that anyone over 95 not living in a care home , yes you read that correctly , is now eligible for their first shot . I am in no danger of seeing a vaccination needle until early fall - soonest . The only people here getting vaccinated are seniors in care and front line health care workers .

Suz

(website)

Veteran

The roll out in Canada is really slow -- exhausting and frustrating. Vaccines that were promised were not delivered. The only people who've had their shots in my province are seniors in care homes and the workers there, plus some other physicians.

However, there have been deliveries this week and as of next week, my province claims to be ramping up. Over 80s living in the community will be vaccinated within a few weeks, and with the approval of the Astrozenca, things may move quicker after that. I don't expect to get my first shot until mid-to-late summer, though. It's a waiting game...

The slow process is frustrating, but I have faith that when it happens it will be well organized and we will simply register and be told where to go. We don't have to pay, and there's a clear plan (in my province) for who will get vaccinated in what order. So that takes some of the stress off. You just wait in the queue for your turn.

Classically Casual

Veteran

The whole rollout has been exasperating, though well intentioned. My state has relied mainly on technology for appointment making and by passed individual doctor offices. I’m part of a Facebook group that finds appointments for eligible people, and posts appointments as they become available . The stories are heart breaking. At least the vaccine supplies are becoming more available. I’ve had one shot so far, based on my age. As I read of 90 year olds overlooked who live alone, I personally know of 3 college kids who scored. It makes me want to tear my hair out!

Echo

Veteran

I am beyond frustrated that the next group becomes eligible March 1, but my 83 year old mother still has not had a shot. She has called her doctor repeatedly, has signed onto the list for Walgreen's and still nothing. I teach, and I am supposed to be getting a shot in March.

It is unconscionable to me that they would vaccinate the next group without having the elderly covered first. Things are so disorganized that I just can't stand it.

anchie

Veteran

Vaccinations in EU is going terribly slow, there are just not enough vaccines available. Here in Austria they just finished with medical personnel and people in assisted care homes. Next week they are starting with 80+ years old living at home, school and kindergarten teachers and police. It will probably be months before my family and me get our turn. So I was surprised, but very happy and relieved that my parents who are 74 and 77 and live in small town in Croatia got their first shot of Pfizer last week, administered by their family doctor.
My MIL who is 84 lives in a country that did not get any vaccines yet at all.
I think people in US should be grateful and get perspective how it is in the rest of the world.

rachylou

Veteran

Right. So I seem to have booked my self vaccination appointments at Walgreens. Got an alert from my town that appts were available, they weren’t when I checked. Then I woke up in the middle of the night and decided to hit up the town website again... and now food workers can get vaccines at Walgreens (but only Walgreens), with new rules for proving you’re a food worker, and probably only right this second...

... And agreed, Anchie. This is something that should have been coordinated globally. We could frankly lose this game by not doing so. (I have to mention tho GoFundMe is a healthcare plan in the US. There’s an online community amongst diabetics here, that scrounges up insulin and then sends it to diabetics, because a month's supply is priced more than rent and many are simply dying and many insurance plans refuse to cover it and many pharmacies won’t sell it and supplies without a prescription even when you aren’t supposed to need one.)(Same community works internationally, where pharmaceuticals are basically totally unavailable.)

Janet

(website)

Veteran

So frustrating! And I know governors can only do so much, but Hogan denied that Maryland is way way down on the list of states who have successfully vaccinated the population, even though the numbers clearly show that’s the case. He’s not my favorite anyway.

It’s eye opening to learn that other countries and regions don’t seem to be much more organized. I see acquaintances posting of their vaccination while I see others lamenting that they can’t get a spot, despite being of age and health concern to warrant one.

I’m way down the list, and it’s a little annoying how slow it’s going (my two best friends are vaccinated but one is a surgeon and the other is on the covid team for one of the pharma companies providing the vaccines), but my greater concern is for the high-risk groups. I hope everyone continues to stay safe while we wait this out.

kkards

Veteran

I am so grateful that my mom lives in a senior community that handled the vaccine. They got their 1st a couple of weeks ago, which was a couple of weeks later than we had hoped, and have their 2nd schedule for next week. Meanwhile, i have a sister who is nominally in a high risk category, but who knows how to research and work the system , and she managed to get an appointment and had her 1st shot yesterday. I suspect that i will not be vaccinated until July

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's very frustrating, but not unexpected. There are teething problems everywhere. It’s inevitable. And I don't think that waiting is unreasonable. It is what it is. The EU has been very slow to roll-out because of a major vaccine shortage. But everyone is on it and trying their best.

Vaccinating everyone is an extremely mammoth undertaking and the world is trying to build the infrastructure to support it. 320 million people in the US. It's absolutely mind blowing....

But it's getting better already, and I'm thrilled for those who have been vaccinated! Good job getting it done despite the ordeal. It all helps big time.

I believe that things will go a lot smoother by the end of Spring here in the US, and especially by the Summer. I will be in one of the last groups, but that's okay. I will benefit from others being vaccinated too. Grateful. Stay safe. Onward!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

We are having a better time of it here than most but there are still some irregularities in who’s getting the vaccine first but when you consider the scale of the task that is not surprising.We are just waiting for our call which should be by mid April.My brother who is younger than me and living in London has already been vaccinated.

kellygirl

Veteran

I hear you. I felt such a wave of relief to have my dad vaccinated. My mom stood in line a line about a mile long for hours--to get hers. She is in good enough health to do it herself--my dad, not so much. I feel like my check list is complete--at the rate we're going, it doesn't seem like I'm anywhere near the front of the line. I've come to accept the way things are and can hang on until my turn comes whenever that may be.

Gaylene

Veteran

Maybe instead of feeling frustrated and angry, it would lessen the stress to focus on how fortunate it is that vaccines are now available? Just a few months ago, it looked like we might have to endure months, and possibly years, of overwhelmed healthcare systems and correspondingly grim statistics.

Mr. G and I are both in high risk age categories and will get vaccinated when our turn comes—whenever that will be in the upcoming months. In the meantime, I’m trying very hard to tune out those who seem to be convinced being vaccinated is a some kind of competition where individuals “score” because they are faster, more technologically capable, “able to work the system”, or just plain luckier than the masses. Asking me to be patient while the infrastructure for this massive undertaking is being created and billions of doses can be distributed around the world seems entirely reasonable. We acknowledge how soul destroying “compare and despair” can be in fashion, but I’d argue it’s even more destructive in when it surfaces in pandemic thinking.

I’m happy for those who are vaccinated but I refuse to feel “left behind” because I’m not at the head of the process. I’m incredibly privileged to know that vaccination is a definite possibility for both Mr. G and me in the next few months but I also know that others will have to wait much longer in much worst circumstances. There will be time for celebrations (and condemnations), but maybe not now?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

As an American living outside my country, I find the US’s handling of everything covid related absolutely discouraging and disheartening.

Shutdowns have been haphazard since the beginning, there are *still* people refusing to wear masks, some who refuse the vaccine and others who use questionable methods to get theirs, and now half a million deaths! We feel much better with the way it’s being handled in Europe, where the vaccine that’s available is being distributed rationally, masks mandates are real, and the shutdowns are just beginning to be lifted. No, it isn’t fun not to be able to go buy the **** lightbulb I need, and it will be a while until we can get vaccinated, but knowing what is going on with ourselves is so much better than the confusion and endless shifting that has us constantly on edge for our family. We are fortunate in that our family is all able to afford decent health care, something that, as Rachylou points out, is not a given in the US.

The lack of safety nets, laughably low support payments, and companies permitted to just go under during the last year is astounding, of course, but from our vantage point, it is painfully embarrassing. Our country’s interior disorganization and pathological weaknesses and infighting are highlighted in all of this like never before.

Anonymous

Deleted

Sloper

Veteran

I'm appreciating Angie's and Gaylene's thoughts.

I live in Southern California - densely populated, and highly diverse in culture and lifestyle, and a very wide spectrum of poverty/wealth.

Fortunately the state's ICU capacity is opening up, but it's been a tense situation for a long time (as it has been throughout the world).
We are all exceptionally grateful for the first responders, essential workers, medical professionals, and everyone who is out there keeping food on the shelves and infrastructure working.

My husband and I are grateful that his elderly, bed-bound mother has just gotten her second dose at her nursing home. DH is 65, and his union health plan has finally been able to schedule him for his first shot in March. Don't know when mine will happen (or my sister's - in another state) but we'll get there when we get there. Meanwhile we are trying to do our part - masking up, staying home, donating as we can, etc.

Yes some could say it is easy for me to throw around an attitude of buttercups and roses. And I'll leave out political comments about the previous administration which is most probably the cause of much of the slow progress in the US now.

As Angie says:

Grateful. Stay safe. Onward!

kkards

Veteran

Normally i would let this go, but Gaylene, I’m sorry, in the US getting the vaccine IS a competition and it is highly dependent on how well you work the system. Yes, with any luck, eventually we will all (or least all who want it) it the vaccine, but between, now and then, many, including many in high risk groups, will continue to get sick.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree, kkards. Although I must say I don’t see anyone on this thread “comparing and despairing.” I see people rightfully concerned not just for themselves but others.

And I must respectfully disagree that this is not the time to condemn lack of action on the part of certain local, state, and national leaders. If not now, when? Half a million people in this country have died. Yes, I am glad the vaccine is available and I am celebrating the victories, but I am also angry as hell about how much of the response was handled a year ago, and how some leaders continue to make the problem a political prop rather than take serious action.

Christina F.

Veteran

This whole rollout is terrible. And yet the US was in the top five in vaccinating last we checked. Though I would say it’s still okay to be angry! Normal folks have been failed from start to finish through this whole thing, in many places all around the world.

I’m fortunate that they opened up a FEMA-run site for my new ZIP Code. Those sites here in NYC are processing lots of people per day. My husband and I both qualify for medical reasons, and we are going next week. The spots for our ZIP Code were meant for underserved populations, so we waited days but saw that there were still lots of slots open, before it got opened to all of Brooklyn. I’m getting the sense that as frustrating as it has been in NYC, vaccines are relatively easily available if you qualify and go to a FEMA site. It’s much harder for older folks who aren’t able to do that to get the pharmacy appointments that are set aside for them, unfortunately.

My mom and my in-laws also got their shots due to various circumstances. My mom lives in a hot spot that’s vaccinating everyone, my in-laws work for a large university and are over 70. These are all strokes of luck, that they live in places that happened to make concerted vaccination efforts.

I’m sorry Canada has had it so tough. I thought Trudeau ordered more than enough - is it a rollout thing?

My best friend is a long-hauler. I’ve also seen people with mild or asymptomatic cases struggle with memory issues months later. The emotional toll on all of us is also just awful, and to not be sure when the light at the end of the tunnel will arrive.... hugs to everyone.

ophelia

Veteran

The problem with generalizations stating that Americans should be grateful/ have perspective is that each state has handled both the pandemic and the vaccine rollouts differently according to each state’s governor. Populations of some states have much to be grateful for; others not so much.
The state I live in has zero restrictions/lockdowns/mandates since late spring. Attempts at mandates at the local level have been overridden by the governor. There are currently just under 2 million confirmed cases in this state alone. More than 15% of the state’s population has no health insurance of any type.
The lack of a national plan has contributed to the US status as estimated 10th highest in number of deaths per million.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Christina, we have more than enough on order. But it's the same situation as in Europe -- the manufacturers could not deliver. There were multiple problems, with renovations to a plant slowing production, and then weather issues on both sides of the Atlantic, Canada has no facilities for making its own vaccines, although one has been in the works since the start of the pandemic.

Anyway, it's supply that has been lacking. We didn't get what the manufacturers promised when they promised it. Happens in all industries. <shrug> What can you do?

Plans for the rollout will differ between provinces, but I'm pretty confident it will go quite smoothly in BC, based on how well the first phase went (apart from lack of supply).

This is clearly a topic we all have strong feelings about, and no wonder. We've all been living through tough times. Even the very luckiest of us have suffered.

For me, it's not a question of either/ or, but rather both/ and. I can be thrilled at the miracle of science, providing us with a vaccine in the first place so quickly (and I am!) and I can feel frustrated that the supply (in some areas) is poor, and/or the rollout (in other areas) is so disorganized and/or blatantly unfair. I can feel grateful to front line workers (both health care workers and others) and furious that leadership in some areas has been so lacking, or worse. I can be frustrated that I have to continue masking up and social distancing and I can be angry at those who refuse to follow those measures for the safety of us all, or worse yet, those who jump the queue by jetting off to foreign countries for their shot (!!!) or to northern communities where they pretend to be motel workers in order to get the vaccine and meanwhile put high risk communities at even higher risk. (!!!!) I can be tired and lonely and demoralized and sometimes overwhelmed, working from home while also trying to help my learning disabled and socially isolated and emotionally fragile kid manage online university, and I can be grateful that I can work from home, that I have enough money to get through this and have not lost all my income (only some of it). I can feel grief for the loss of loved ones and acquaintances during the pandemic (through COVID and other illnesses) and grateful for my own health and the health of those closest to me.

Some days I feel mostly one way. Some days, the other. I do think we're in a more hopeful position than we were a year ago. Remember the fear and anxiety of those first few months?

rachylou

Veteran

I wanted to wait for the Novavax because it seems a safer technology, since I have all sorts of autoimmune problems and stimulating my system seems a dicey proposition. My uncle (who’s a cardiologist, so has to be taken with a grain of salt) thinks it would be safer in general. On the other hand, I think he went ahead and got the Pfizer. I signed up for the Pfizer because I’m feeling the pressure as a food worker, esp as one in a food business that caters to the sick. My doctors say I must do one of these mRNAs, that’s what’s there now, although I really don’t think they paid any attention to my medical record in giving this advice. It’s a difficult position to be in, to be told you must in a somewhat threatening way, to do as you’re told... and not succeed because you’ve done as prescribed. I’m seeing the exact same problems as with the covid testing as with the vaccines, and it’s been a year to iron out technical glitches like this. I’m just saying. This is the cradle of the World Wide Web. We’ve got engineers.

Meanwhile. I’ve got surprise mandatory OSHA (occupational safety and health administration agency) training on new COVID protocols next week.

I just finished harassment refresher training. Ok. Here’s a funny for you all: I just caught a bit of the old movie, Every Which But Out, where Clint Eastwood punches out an old guy, kisses all the office secretaries, ruins the soup of a girl who doesn’t want him hitting up on her, and is holding an orangutan hostage in his house. When I saw this movie as a kid, I thought it was boring... it’s actually an enthralling horror flick...

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Ophelia, I think I recognize that state and that we will be visiting there in a few weeks.

Echo

Veteran

I have to go with kkards and Janet here. Part of it isn't even about the vaccination rollout, but the fact that leadership should have taken this seriously, encouraged masking and had federal guidelines for shutting down and reopening businesses. This NEVER should have been a political issue. The lives that could have been saved had leadership encouraged safety instead of super-spreader events... unfathomable. Half a MILLION dead.

And the states couldn't coordinate the rollout on their own; they needed federal assistance with it, but again, that was completely left hanging. The previous administration went so far as to blame the states that couldn't get the doses they had ordered. If I saw there being a set and ORGANIZED que, I would quietly wait my turn, but I see people with means and access in their 30s or younger getting vaccinated. I see those with immunity compromised and the elderly not even at the head of the line. I see NO system to make sure that those who need it most are vaccinated before moving on to others. Again, I say it is unconscionable that they would vaccinate me and the group I am in when we don't even have HALF of the elderly vaccinated yet. A civilized society takes care of its most vulnerable; it doesn't leave them to fend for themselves among systems and technologies they don't (and few others) understand.

I can be (and am) grateful to the scientists and medical professionals at the same time I am angry about the disorganized vaccinations debacle.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Suz and Echo, well said.

elpgal

Veteran

You know things are bad when newspapers have to give you strategies to navigate the system. My heart hurts for those who don’t have the bandwidth or the help to navigate this BS.
https://www.washingtonpost.com.....-websites/

Sal

Veteran

Definitely stressful!

Vaccination of border workers has started here and families of them are this week along with frontline healthcare. I was pleased to hear that our essential workers along with the poorer community close to our largest airport are next on the list. Those people have the highest risk here.

Whilst NZ is very lucky (even Auckland is back in lockdown) tensions are high and frustrations are coming through about govt handling, people breaking rules and the effects on local businesses.

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