I've talked to a lot of people about the covid vaccines. I talk to my patients about it and then I've been on several panels. So far no one has expressed that they don't want to get the vaccine because they don't think they'll be able to change their behavior. Obviously that's an anecdote, so maybe there are people out there that are hesitant for that reason, but I haven't had it come up yet.
I think the main reason for not changing behavior right now for me personally is that I want to continue to model the recommended behavior which is to wear a mask, continue to distance and get tested regularly for covid. Once public health officials say that we can stop wearing masks and distancing because enough people have been vaccinated (or infected) then I'll certainly do so.
I think we'd do a great disservice if tomorrow we started telling people they didn't need to wear masks anymore because they got vaccinated. That messaging would be too confusing for the general population. Plus, in my state there's still a mask mandate in stores, so would now people have to show proof they got vaccinated just to shop without a mask on? Only a small fraction of the population has been vaccinated so far, it's going to take a little bit of time.
ETA: During my panel today I absolutely told everyone that I understand vaccine hesitancy, but we're in a crisis right now so it's the best option for most people to get vaccinated. From what I've seen most people aren't underselling that we all need to get vaccinated.
I don’t think people should stop masking just because they’ve been vaccinated. I don’t think anyone is advocating that. We’re a long ways away from dropping masks as a requirement for being in public. (ETA: the verification burden you mentioned is reason enough).
But I don’t necessarily think underselling the vaccine (e.g., “it’s only 95% effective, not 100%!” or “vaccinated people can be just as likely to spread it!!!” is helping, either).
Maybe this is regional, but I saw that in Ohio, something like 60% (!!) of nursing home workers are refusing to get vaccinated. All of those people can’t be crazy anti vaxxers. So what do we need to do to market the hell out of this vaccine?
I’m sure most people on the GBCN boards would desperately like to get the vaccine, but these boards are a huge bubble from the rest of the country.
I’m finding the opposite. People are pushing the vaccine here, and they make it sound like we will all be cured of this COVID nonsense in 2 weeks after the second dose.
Out of curiosity, for the places moving to vaccinate people with health conditions, does anyone know if they are asking for any proof (like a note from a doctor)? Or is it all honor system?
I did not have to show proof in Texas. (I did not lie though)
They have put smoking/tobacco use on the 1b eligible list. How do you prove that?
Oh please please please! This is so tiny and selfish, but I want to be able to have an in-person graduation ceremony in late May. Even if I could only have 1 guest. I know it's kind of a pipe dream, but I don't think it's COMPLETELY out of the realm of possibility just yet if we can get vaccines in arms!
I completed my master's in November 2019 and a master's certificate in may 2020. I was supposed to finally get a graduation ceremony in June 2020. I am with you on wanting to have an in person ceremony. So selfish but I worked hard for my 4.0.
Post by Poeticxpassion on Jan 18, 2021 21:21:24 GMT -5
My neurologist is saying she doesn't want me to get the vaccine since my immunosuppressive therapy is in March. Please get vaccinated when you can and don't feel guilty. People like me need you!
Also for the millionth time I had to have a conversation with my dad about how, no we can’t come visit him.
He is a widow. My mom has been dead for almost four years. I know he is lonely. We did take a chance and saw him over Xmas. But I am unwilling to do it again until the adults are vaccinated. I am just so tired of saying no and feeling guilty.
Blaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh
Just wanted to say I feel your pain! I live overseas and I traveled to see DH (who left to move to WNY back in June). Anyway my mom and aunt were hoping I’d come to Pittsburgh to see them and I’m like we’re literally still in a pandemic - I cannot take that chance of getting anyone sick. (It’s baffling because they’re both nurses)!!!
So I’m flying back to Doha on Friday and of course feel guilty for not seeing my mom. But it has to wait until summer or later after we’re all vaccinated.
I’m trying so hard not to be annoyed with people getting this vaccine. I’m really happy for them. I’m really happy that lots of people are getting it - it’s good for all of us. But I’m so frustrated that my state rollout has been so damn slow. I am a teacher in person with two high risk conditions. I have heard absolutely nothing about getting a vaccine. My BFF is a teacher in my neighborhood. Her school is doing a vaccine clinic for teachers next week. The lack of consistency is making me so anxious.
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
Out of curiosity, for the places moving to vaccinate people with health conditions, does anyone know if they are asking for any proof (like a note from a doctor)? Or is it all honor system?
It’s probably going to be different for every state. Where we are, the health systems are making the call, like literally we’ve gotten emails from our provider saying, “Don’t call us; we’ll call you.” I assume they are following the Maine CDC guidelines for deciding this. Right now, my mom, who is 79 and has two comorbidities, is waiting on that call, since we moved to 1B last week.
I don’t know how they are handling people without a regular doctor.
I think it’s the same here in MD. My PCP office has a message up that they will contact us. And I talked to the nurse at my cancer center last week (she called to go over preop and bc mychart says I’m overdue for it - which is apparently just because I’m tagged as not having it) - she told me they will be calling us as soon as they are authorized to vaccinate patients. I’m taking whoever calls me first!
No one I know personally wants to refuse the vaccine, but based on news articles, it’s a problem all over the country. Dismissing it isn’t helpful.
It’s one anecdote, but I’ll tell the story of my mom. Might be repetitive here, sorry. But I wouldn’t be shocked if what she’s feeling is very common.
She’s a hospital cleaner. Hospitalized with covid in April. She has been hemming and hawing about the vaccine since mid-December despite being eligible for a while now. I have gone over all of the information the hospital gave her about the vaccine to assure her that she will be just fine getting it. Hell, covid is what almost killed her, and there is no reason to believe the vaccine will kill her instead based on all of the trials and studies. But, she has lots of conversations with co-workers who talk about the “risk” of the vaccine. I do not know the positions of these co-workers except I know they aren’t exclusively cleaners. but I imagine that when you are hearing misinformation from other hospital workers, you are inclined to believe it’s accurate. I’ve helped her with official documents since I could read because that’s what the kids of immigrants who barely speak English and were never educated here have to do, and my career is literally about the sharing of neutral, accurate information, but the pull she’s feeling is strong. I don’t doubt the pull to listen to your colleagues in healthcare settings is strong, even if their information is wrong. And I know Governor Cuomo mentioned here that doctors overwhelmingly got the vaccine, nurses almost overwhelmingly, but other hospital workers...not so much. But she knows doctors and nurses there!
This is also why, when the opportunity to get vaccinated fell into my lap, I got it. Because another important reason to get it when the chance arises is so you can show hesitant loved ones that you’re fine and that this is so important. My mom has been calling me every day since I got it to make sure I’m alive lol. But I think she’s finally coming around.
I've talked to a lot of people about the covid vaccines. I talk to my patients about it and then I've been on several panels. So far no one has expressed that they don't want to get the vaccine because they don't think they'll be able to change their behavior. Obviously that's an anecdote, so maybe there are people out there that are hesitant for that reason, but I haven't had it come up yet.
I think the main reason for not changing behavior right now for me personally is that I want to continue to model the recommended behavior which is to wear a mask, continue to distance and get tested regularly for covid. Once public health officials say that we can stop wearing masks and distancing because enough people have been vaccinated (or infected) then I'll certainly do so.
I think we'd do a great disservice if tomorrow we started telling people they didn't need to wear masks anymore because they got vaccinated. That messaging would be too confusing for the general population. Plus, in my state there's still a mask mandate in stores, so would now people have to show proof they got vaccinated just to shop without a mask on? Only a small fraction of the population has been vaccinated so far, it's going to take a little bit of time.
ETA: During my panel today I absolutely told everyone that I understand vaccine hesitancy, but we're in a crisis right now so it's the best option for most people to get vaccinated. From what I've seen most people aren't underselling that we all need to get vaccinated.
I don’t think people should stop masking just because they’ve been vaccinated. I don’t think anyone is advocating that. We’re a long ways away from dropping masks as a requirement for being in public. (ETA: the verification burden you mentioned is reason enough).
But I don’t necessarily think underselling the vaccine (e.g., “it’s only 95% effective, not 100%!” or “vaccinated people can be just as likely to spread it!!!” is helping, either).
Maybe this is regional, but I saw that in Ohio, something like 60% (!!) of nursing home workers are refusing to get vaccinated. All of those people can’t be crazy anti vaxxers. So what do we need to do to market the hell out of this vaccine?
I’m sure most people on the GBCN boards would desperately like to get the vaccine, but these boards are a huge bubble from the rest of the country.
Yes I agree that we need to message so more people for comfortable. I was just saying that I don't think people are hesitant about the vaccine due to hearing that it only has 95% efficacy vs 100% efficacy.
We're tracking who is getting vaccinated just so we have a record, although of course it's not mandatory, and no everyone in my office is not getting vaccinated (I'm a director so I have this info). I've heard people talking in side conversations and they mostly talk about the "rushed process" and the videos they've seen on social media of side effects. No one has anything about not getting it because it's "pointless" since it's only 95% efficacious.
My response to the person asking about if they should not wear masks around their coworkers is completely different than when I'm talking to my patients who have general concerns or hesitancy. Like I said I'm talking to people every day and have been on a couple of panels and no one so far has brought up that they're hesitant to get the vaccine because they heard it has 95% efficacy vs 100% efficacy. Therefore, overall I don't think it's problematic to stick to the facts about the efficacy and the need to wear masks for the short term.
The facts that I can discuss here and in high level discussions are that the vaccine has 95% efficacy and we still do need to wait to see how effective it is in the real world when people don't get doses on an exact schedule, don't get the 2nd dose, etc. Of course I'm not telling patients in general not to get the vaccine because the efficacy is only 95% and I don't think there is any public health messaging out there to that affect either. And from what I've seen, individual conversations are good at getting positive messaging across regarding safety of the vaccines. But yes we do still need to wear masks and distance because only a small fraction of people have been vaccinated and it's going to take time for herd immunity.
I’m finding the opposite. People are pushing the vaccine here, and they make it sound like we will all be cured of this COVID nonsense in 2 weeks after the second dose.
Again, I don’t know. Maybe it’s regional. Or maybe it’s the bubbles we all socialize with.
No one I know personally wants to refuse the vaccine, but based on news articles, it’s a problem all over the country. Dismissing it isn’t helpful.
Oh, I think I misunderstood what you were saying. Yes of course vaccine hesitancy is a thing and understandable. I was just saying that I don't think it's due to people talking about the vaccine being 95% efficacious. There is a lot of data on why people are hesitant about the vaccine so far both anecdotally and via polls and that reason hasn't been one of the main reasons I've seen come up in regards to people not being able to change their behavior after getting vaccinated or about the efficacy that you originally mentioned when I first started quoting you. But yes hesitancy is definitely happening all over the country unfortunately.
I’m trying so hard not to be annoyed with people getting this vaccine. I’m really happy for them. I’m really happy that lots of people are getting it - it’s good for all of us. But I’m so frustrated that my state rollout has been so damn slow. I am a teacher in person with two high risk conditions. I have heard absolutely nothing about getting a vaccine. My BFF is a teacher in my neighborhood. Her school is doing a vaccine clinic for teachers next week. The lack of consistency is making me so anxious.
Yes, I’m starting to lose it. I know a bunch of people who already have their second dose and I’m just like “YAY IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU” lol. I mean, I am, but also aaaaggghhhhhhh.
I’m trying so hard not to be annoyed with people getting this vaccine. I’m really happy for them. I’m really happy that lots of people are getting it - it’s good for all of us. But I’m so frustrated that my state rollout has been so damn slow. I am a teacher in person with two high risk conditions. I have heard absolutely nothing about getting a vaccine. My BFF is a teacher in my neighborhood. Her school is doing a vaccine clinic for teachers next week. The lack of consistency is making me so anxious.
Yes, I’m starting to lose it. I know a bunch of people who already have their second dose and I’m just like “YAY IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU” lol. I mean, I am, but also aaaaggghhhhhhh.
I am actually really happy for these folks. Truly. Jealousy is ugly and I’m not used to it. I feel like such an asshole and I know I’m only feeling this way because I’m so anxious about being in school.
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
Yes I agree that we need to message so more people for comfortable. I was just saying that I don't think people are hesitant about the vaccine due to hearing that it only has 95% efficacy vs 100% efficacy.
Maybe some people aren’t hesitant for that reason alone.
But when some people are told/they hear from social media memes that the vaccine is “not 100% effective,” AND “you might still be able to transmit it to other people after you’re vaccinated, we have no data to know either way,” AND “we don’t know the long term side effects yet”.... I can see how all of that, combined together, might make certain segments of the population not super enthusiastic to run out and get it, even when it is made available to them. They could read/hear all of that and think “what’s the point. I’ll just wait.”
And that’s the problem we need to be confronting. Because way too many people are hesitant right now.
What is the solution? It would be downright criminal to say the vaccine is 100% effective (it’s not, but 95% is amazing) or that we know it protects against asymptomatic spread (we don’t).
I have engaged with dozens of vaccine-hesitant people eligible for the vaccine and I haven’t seen a single one talk about 95% efficacy or unknown protection against asymptomatic infection as their reasons for delaying or declining. The concerns have all been centered around mistrust of the process and/or fears regarding vaccine safety.
If we start misrepresenting information, we only further mistrust.
Yes, I’m starting to lose it. I know a bunch of people who already have their second dose and I’m just like “YAY IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU” lol. I mean, I am, but also aaaaggghhhhhhh.
I am actually really happy for these folks. Truly. Jealousy is ugly and I’m not used to it. I feel like such an asshole and I know I’m only feeling this way because I’m so anxious about being in school.
I completely understand. I’m not back in school yet, but @@@ I know that the only way my kids will go back is when teachers are fully vaccinated and we’re all struggling at home, and with each passing day I see spring slipping away and it ramps up my anxiety. That said, I am truly happy for my friends. Haha
erbear, I’m right there with you in the ugly jealousy. It’s not something I usually experience, and I feel bad. Because I AM thrilled for everyone getting it, and unlike you, I have no imminent need for the vaccine. But it’s a human response and sometimes that’s hard to control. I won’t stop cheering for those who get it, encouraging others to get it, and patiently waiting for my turn.
tacom, I don’t think there is a solution to the “underselling” discussion. I think only time and more numbers post-vaccination can help that. They’re stuck in a really hard place outlining the benefits, strongly encouraging it, and not over-selling it. In an effort to not oversell it, they’re “under-selling” it by adding the extra caveats (not 100%, still distancing, masking). Erring on the side of caution. I don’t think this is a bad thing at all, and I don’t think that people are able to place their reasoning for not wanting the vaccine on that, but I do think it comes into play for a lot of people. BUT we HAVE to put the reminders out there that it’s not 100% effective and masks still need to be worn and people should still socially distance because we know people will take a mile if given an inch. The caveats come from an absence of data at the moment, so they’re important...but I do think that if we didn’t have to add those, more people would get the vaccine today.
I’m anxiously waiting for that extra data to come out. It’s my *non-medical opinion* that the data will support vaccinated people being able to avoid masks and social distancing and not being able to spread the virus to others. Unfortunately, it’s going to be awhile before we know that.
I’m finding the opposite. People are pushing the vaccine here, and they make it sound like we will all be cured of this COVID nonsense in 2 weeks after the second dose.
Again, I don’t know. Maybe it’s regional. Or maybe it’s the bubbles we all socialize with.
No one I know personally wants to refuse the vaccine, but based on news articles, it’s a problem all over the country. Dismissing it isn’t helpful.
My sister is a nurse at a hospital. She (and others she works with) declined to get the vaccine. Its not because she is hesitant or an anti-vaxxer,, its because she just had Covid in November. She and some other nurses who have already had it don't think they need it at this point and didnt want to take a vaccine from someone else that wanted to get it. With the high number of heathcare workers who have had it, I am sure a some of that 60% are health care workers with a similar mind set.
I'm just wondering how much the Biden administration will be able to do to increase the numbers/rates on vaccination. I haven't looked too hard, but quick searches aren't really turning up solid info on what the real problem is. Is there enough vaccine out there that the US can access more quickly, and things will get better if distribution improves? Or is the limiting factor simply that there's not enough being made. And if it's the latter, how quickly can production be increased? I mean, these vaccines can't be made just anywhere.
I keep going back to Fauci saying in December or so that he expected the general population (i.e., healthy adults) could start getting vaccinated in April. However, based on what I'm seeing now, at least in Michigan, that's not going to happen.
It’s a combination of a lot of things, I think. Organization and implementation is being left up to the state and local health departments and they just aren’t equipped. They don’t have the staff, or the amount of necessary PPE. There are issues in some areas with the ultra cold storage the vaccines require.
They’re being promised doses they aren’t getting or having doses they weren’t expecting show up and then scrambling to get them into arms before they expire. They’re struggling to register and contact people when they are eligible, and people are confused and overwhelmed by it because it’s totally different state by state.
Even just finding appropriate spaces to hold mass vaccination events while also allowing for some degree of social distancing is a challenge.
I’m personally hopeful that adequate funding and support from the federal level will really help with some of these barriers.
Yes, I’m starting to lose it. I know a bunch of people who already have their second dose and I’m just like “YAY IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU” lol. I mean, I am, but also aaaaggghhhhhhh.
I am actually really happy for these folks. Truly. Jealousy is ugly and I’m not used to it. I feel like such an asshole and I know I’m only feeling this way because I’m so anxious about being in school.
I think that the people who keep posting on these boards to brag that they or a family member received the vaccine already are the true assholes here.
Especially the ones who post to brag about getting a second dose already.
Perhaps they shouldn't be greedy with the second dose when people are still waiting for a first dose.
I am also ugly jealous but keep trying to focus on one more person getting protection. I have seen several people of similar job titles get vaccinated. And other people at my institution who are not frontline.
Which is funny because in my most positive dreams I didn't think I would be vaccinated until March. But my institution moved through the first couple phases faster than expected. So now I am consumed with when it will become my turn.
My fear is that we will somehow be forgotten. That when they are prioritizing they will not realize our little department has been in person and has high people contact. That people who have been able to work from home will get it before us. DON'T FORGET ABOUT MEEEEE. It is selfish and I acknowledge it.
I am also jealous of those who have been vaccinated but truly happy for them and also happy that the more people we vaccinate, the better. I think, like others have pointed out, it comes from fear for me. Six days from now, I'll be in a small room with a total of almost 100 different people a day, no distancing. I am pretty terrified. I also live and work in different counties, and I already think that's going to be a mess of how I get vaccinated.
I am actually really happy for these folks. Truly. Jealousy is ugly and I’m not used to it. I feel like such an asshole and I know I’m only feeling this way because I’m so anxious about being in school.
I think that the people who keep posting on these boards to brag that they or a family member received the vaccine already are the true assholes here.
Especially the ones who post to brag about getting a second dose already.
Perhaps they shouldn't be greedy with the second dose when people are still waiting for a first dose.
And how exactly is it greedy to complete your full vaccination on the schedule required if you’ve been able to receive the first dose?
Also, I’ve seen no one “brag” about getting vaccinated. Even outside of these boards, I’m grateful to everyone sharing their experiences. More information will make more people feel comfortable with getting vaccinated.
I am actually really happy for these folks. Truly. Jealousy is ugly and I’m not used to it. I feel like such an asshole and I know I’m only feeling this way because I’m so anxious about being in school.
I think that the people who keep posting on these boards to brag that they or a family member received the vaccine already are the true assholes here.
Especially the ones who post to brag about getting a second dose already.
Perhaps they shouldn't be greedy with the second dose when people are still waiting for a first dose.
Wow. Was it really necessary to say this? I've been around here so long that I feel like other posters are my online friends. I'm genuinely happy for other posters getting vaccines. I also feel like the more healthcare workers and elderly I hear about getting vaccinated, the closer we are getting to later groups.
I am actually really happy for these folks. Truly. Jealousy is ugly and I’m not used to it. I feel like such an asshole and I know I’m only feeling this way because I’m so anxious about being in school.
I think that the people who keep posting on these boards to brag that they or a family member received the vaccine already are the true assholes here.
Especially the ones who post to brag about getting a second dose already.
Perhaps they shouldn't be greedy with the second dose when people are still waiting for a first dose.
There is no efficacy data behind delaying the second dose...
It isn’t being greedy to properly vaccinate people according to the data provided by Moderna and Pfizer. First dose... three weeks later... second dose. That is how the protection they claim is achieved. This is following the science.
We got in this terrible situation by not following the science.
No one I know personally wants to refuse the vaccine, but based on news articles, it’s a problem all over the country. Dismissing it isn’t helpful.
It’s one anecdote, but I’ll tell the story of my mom. Might be repetitive here, sorry. But I wouldn’t be shocked if what she’s feeling is very common.
She’s a hospital cleaner. Hospitalized with covid in April. She has been hemming and hawing about the vaccine since mid-December despite being eligible for a while now. I have gone over all of the information the hospital gave her about the vaccine to assure her that she will be just fine getting it. Hell, covid is what almost killed her, and there is no reason to believe the vaccine will kill her instead based on all of the trials and studies. But, she has lots of conversations with co-workers who talk about the “risk” of the vaccine. I do not know the positions of these co-workers except I know they aren’t exclusively cleaners. but I imagine that when you are hearing misinformation from other hospital workers, you are inclined to believe it’s accurate. I’ve helped her with official documents since I could read because that’s what the kids of immigrants who barely speak English and were never educated here have to do, and my career is literally about the sharing of neutral, accurate information, but the pull she’s feeling is strong. I don’t doubt the pull to listen to your colleagues in healthcare settings is strong, even if their information is wrong. And I know Governor Cuomo mentioned here that doctors overwhelmingly got the vaccine, nurses almost overwhelmingly, but other hospital workers...not so much. But she knows doctors and nurses there!
This is also why, when the opportunity to get vaccinated fell into my lap, I got it. Because another important reason to get it when the chance arises is so you can show hesitant loved ones that you’re fine and that this is so important. My mom has been calling me every day since I got it to make sure I’m alive lol. But I think she’s finally coming around.
This is such a good approach you're taking for your mom. One of my friends works in a clinical setting and has seen hesitancy from some nurses (they can get vaccinated, but many have not yet). It has helped for them to see other people in their office get the vaccine with minimal side effects.
Her experience makes me hopeful that the abysmal numbers will slowly grow over time.
I am actually really happy for these folks. Truly. Jealousy is ugly and I’m not used to it. I feel like such an asshole and I know I’m only feeling this way because I’m so anxious about being in school.
I think that the people who keep posting on these boards to brag that they or a family member received the vaccine already are the true assholes here.
Especially the ones who post to brag about getting a second dose already.
Perhaps they shouldn't be greedy with the second dose when people are still waiting for a first dose.
I think that cheating the system to get vaccinated before it's supposed to be your turn is morally reprehensible. The reason that 65+ are prioritized is because they end up hospitalized much more often and die more often, so vaccinating them early just makes sense and saving lives is the right thing to do. While I really, really want to get vaccinated ASAP because I have to report to work in person (job duties require it; it's not because I have an asshole boss), I'm also not going to skip ahead of those who are more likely to die.
HOWEVER, if I happen to be at the right place at the right time (i.e., there's a dose available that'll go to waste if someone doesn't take it), I'll take it. It's also morally irresponsible to waste precious vaccine.
Saying it's greedy to take a second dose on schedule is simply not following the recommendations of the vaccine manufactures, which is based on science (i.e., it's fucking dumb).
I'm just wondering how much the Biden administration will be able to do to increase the numbers/rates on vaccination. I haven't looked too hard, but quick searches aren't really turning up solid info on what the real problem is. Is there enough vaccine out there that the US can access more quickly, and things will get better if distribution improves? Or is the limiting factor simply that there's not enough being made. And if it's the latter, how quickly can production be increased? I mean, these vaccines can't be made just anywhere.
I keep going back to Fauci saying in December or so that he expected the general population (i.e., healthy adults) could start getting vaccinated in April. However, based on what I'm seeing now, at least in Michigan, that's not going to happen.
It’s a combination of a lot of things, I think. Organization and implementation is being left up to the state and local health departments and they just aren’t equipped. They don’t have the staff, or the amount of necessary PPE. There are issues in some areas with the ultra cold storage the vaccines require.
They’re being promised doses they aren’t getting or having doses they weren’t expecting show up and then scrambling to get them into arms before they expire. They’re struggling to register and contact people when they are eligible, and people are confused and overwhelmed by it because it’s totally different state by state.
Even just finding appropriate spaces to hold mass vaccination events while also allowing for some degree of social distancing is a challenge.
I’m personally hopeful that adequate funding and support from the federal level will really help with some of these barriers.
I should have been more clear in my questioning - what I really want to know is how many more doses are out there that just haven't been properly distributed? What can team Biden do to increase production quickly since supply is limited?
I am absolutely thrilled for and about every person I hear of who has received the vaccine. I am thrilled because it means they are safer and the people they come into contact with are safer. I am thrilled because it means we are getting closer to my turn. I know that I am pretty far down the list, as I should be as someone who can work from home and who has absolutely no health risks.
Do I want the vaccine right this minute now? Yes. Yes I do. And if it was offered to me I would likely take it. But I will have to wait my turn and I will hang on for now. It’s been one hell of an ugly year, and it’s going to continue to be an ugly winter for me and my family. So be it. Others have it far worse.
I’m also very jealous of those who have been able to receive the vaccine.....but really, I’m relieved that:
A) We HAVE vaccines available to us, and more about to be approved. I thought it would be closer to March/April before any were approved
B) It’s being distributed and administered to people, and people I know. My IL’s get their second dose next week, and I’m going to be SO relieved that they’re vaccinated. My sister is a doctor and is already vaccinated, and I’m relieved for her safety.
C) Despite the shit show of distribution, real people who are high risk (either due to age, occupation, or health status) are going to be protected, and hopefully this will result in fewer deaths VERY soon.
D) I’m thankful that I’m able to remain relatively safe (due to my occupation and my privilege of good health) until it’s my turn.
Yes, it’s REALLY hard watching people get vaccinated and know that I have to wait several more months. But that’s a “me” problem. Nobody who has been vaccinated should in any way feel guilty for having done so.
Post by SusanBAnthony on Jan 19, 2021 8:26:26 GMT -5
Add me to the camp of "we are underselling it". Maybe it is just my social circle bubble. But I'm seeing the same thing as on here. Lots of "when you get vaccinated you still can't see any family or socialize and you still have to wear a mask until everyone is vaccinated because we don't know it protects you from spreading it to others".
Well yah we all still have to wear masks for awhile and we don't know how well it protects against spreading. But we have a pretty good idea that it dose protect against spreading, and there are ways to truthfully message that besides "I'm still going to stay completely isolated in my house" which is what I keep seeing over and over as a caveat when people talk about it.
Again, could be my bubble. I can tell you that once we get vaxxed we sure as shit aren't staying home, we will see other vaxxed family and socialize with vaxxed friends. Probably indoors without a mask! There is a middle ground between people who have been ignoring it all along, and continuing to isolate after vaccination.