@@@ June COVID THREAD

[lacey]

seeyalater52 and lemoncupcake we come back in July 31st so doing it after is always an option. The timing is very frustrating, though I am hopeful that tomorrow more sites will start showing availability for the next few days!

[lacey]

Also, PSA Rite Aid is now scheduling for 3 and 4 year olds starting on Friday. It is only Pfizer in my area.

[seeyalater52]

Jun 20, 2022 9:14:27 GMT -5 lacey said:

seeyalater52 and lemoncupcake we come back in July 31st so doing it after is always an option. The timing is very frustrating, though I am hopeful that tomorrow more sites will start showing availability for the next few days!

I feel pretty confident that CVS will open appointments soon and hopefully some locations near you will have Moderna options sooner. It looks like a lot of the Moderna wave 1 pre-orders are shipping today and they ship to destination very quickly.

Otherwise I’d do it when you get back. Good luck!

[seeyalater52]

Jun 20, 2022 9:15:54 GMT -5 lacey said:

Also, PSA Rite Aid is now scheduling for 3 and 4 year olds starting on Friday. It is only Pfizer in my area.

It looks like Rite Aid in all locations where it exists only has Pfizer currently which is confusing. Not sure if they even ordered Moderna in the first wave but happy that more retail Pharmacies are opening appointments either way!! Let’s get those kiddos vaccinated!

[Susie]

Our pedi announced today that they pre-ordered Pfizer only, and will start scheduling as soon as they have it in hand, they are hoping it will be this week.  I was really hoping to do Moderna, so IDK what we're going to do logistics wise.

ETA:  The state-run mass vax site in our city is closing permanently as of 6/24.  That feels like such a missed opportunity to use it just a little longer for the littles

ETA2:  I called to ask our pedi about wait time post-covid.  They said no wait required, once kiddos are off isolation.  DS tested pos a little over a month ago, so we're in the clear.  My current plan is to try to find him a Moderna app't at a retail pharmacy the first week of July, which would put him at fully vaxxed status right around the same time as his 90 days post-covid ends.

[pandorica]

Jun 20, 2022 9:45:31 GMT -5 Susie said:

Our pedi announced today that they pre-ordered Pfizer only, and will start scheduling as soon as they have it in hand, they are hoping it will be this week.  I was really hoping to do Moderna, so IDK what we're going to do logistics wise.

ETA:  The state-run mass vax site in our city is closing permanently as of 6/24.  That feels like such a missed opportunity to use it just a little longer for the littles

I am very annoyed by this. Why are so many places only doing Pfizer?? Is there a shortage of Moderna or something? I was really hoping for pediatrician appointments but I think I might hunt down Moderna at a Walgreens (or CVS if those end up being Moderna).

We leave for vacation on Friday, and I haven't found any appointments before Saturday. I'm super annoyed by everything right now.

[Susie]

Jun 20, 2022 10:27:54 GMT -5 pandorica said:

Jun 20, 2022 9:45:31 GMT -5 Susie said:

Our pedi announced today that they pre-ordered Pfizer only, and will start scheduling as soon as they have it in hand, they are hoping it will be this week.  I was really hoping to do Moderna, so IDK what we're going to do logistics wise.

ETA:  The state-run mass vax site in our city is closing permanently as of 6/24.  That feels like such a missed opportunity to use it just a little longer for the littles

I am very annoyed by this. Why are so many places only doing Pfizer?? Is there a shortage of Moderna or something? I was really hoping for pediatrician appointments but I think I might hunt down Moderna at a Walgreens (or CVS if those end up being Moderna).

IDK... but my guess is that pharmacies and practice groups looked at the poor uptake in the 5-11 age group, and are anticipating at least as poor for 6m-4y.  With that expectation, they may anticipate an easier time convincing hesitant parents to vaccinate their kids with the regimen that packs less "punch" per dose.  Visible side effects are a turnoff for the vaccine hesitant.

Then they may want to do just one, at least at first, because the logistics of doing two are a pain.  Remembering my time volunteering as a vaccinator assistant at our county clinics last year, the clinics where we offered one brand, with one regimen, was so much easier.  We had one lot number to write out, one "schedule 2nd dose date" to use every time, etc.  When we offered both brands at the same clinic, it got complicated.  Two lots, two regimens (Pfizer was +3 weeks, Moderna was +4 weeks to return), resulting in two different return for next dose dates, and it's harder to do efficiently and accurately.  When things settle down, doing two would be totally manageable, but during the initial surge, and at any high volume clinic, there's definitely an incentive to keep it simple.

I think we're a vocal minority, that prefers Moderna.  It is a bummer, but hopefully we'll be able to find it.  So far I just see Pfizer appts at Walgreens (earliest 6/25) and Rite Aid (earliest 6/24), and Hannaford, Price Chopper, CVS, Shop Rite, and Walmart don't seem to have any <5 yo appointments yet.  I think we'll see a significant increase in availability soon.

[pandorica]

Jun 20, 2022 10:50:17 GMT -5 Susie said:

Jun 20, 2022 10:27:54 GMT -5 pandorica said:

I am very annoyed by this. Why are so many places only doing Pfizer?? Is there a shortage of Moderna or something? I was really hoping for pediatrician appointments but I think I might hunt down Moderna at a Walgreens (or CVS if those end up being Moderna).

IDK... but my guess is that pharmacies and practice groups looked at the poor uptake in the 5-11 age group, and are anticipating at least as poor for 6m-4y.  With that expectation, they may anticipate an easier time convincing hesitant parents to vaccinate their kids with the regimen that packs less "punch" per dose.  Visible side effects are a turnoff for the vaccine hesitant.

Then they may want to do just one, at least at first, because the logistics of doing two are a pain.  Remembering my time volunteering as a vaccinator assistant at our county clinics last year, the clinics where we offered one brand, with one regimen, was so much easier.  We had one lot number to write out, one "schedule 2nd dose date" to use every time, etc.  When we offered both brands at the same clinic, it got complicated.  Two lots, two regimens (Pfizer was +3 weeks, Moderna was +4 weeks to return), resulting in two different return for next dose dates, and it's harder to do efficiently and accurately.  When things settle down, doing two would be totally manageable, but during the initial surge, and at any high volume clinic, there's definitely an incentive to keep it simple.

I think we're a vocal minority, that prefers Moderna.  It is a bummer, but hopefully we'll be able to find it.  So far I just see Pfizer appts at Walgreens (earliest 6/25) and Rite Aid (earliest 6/24), and Hannaford, Price Chopper, CVS, Shop Rite, and Walmart don't seem to have any <5 yo appointments yet.  I think we'll see a significant increase in availability soon.

Those are good points. I guess I was looking at it like parents might be more likely to do 2 doses instead of 3 (that's definitely part of my reasoning!). But I can definitely see not wanting to have both brands at once.

[starburst]

Would you space the covid vaccine from other vaccines? DS2 is turning 4 next month and is scheduled for his MMR and varicella boosters. If I can get him a moderna appointment for this week, his 4 year old shots will fall between dose 1 and dose 2.

[noodleoo]

Jun 20, 2022 10:27:54 GMT -5 pandorica said:

Jun 20, 2022 9:45:31 GMT -5 Susie said:

Our pedi announced today that they pre-ordered Pfizer only, and will start scheduling as soon as they have it in hand, they are hoping it will be this week.  I was really hoping to do Moderna, so IDK what we're going to do logistics wise.

ETA:  The state-run mass vax site in our city is closing permanently as of 6/24.  That feels like such a missed opportunity to use it just a little longer for the littles

I am very annoyed by this. Why are so many places only doing Pfizer?? Is there a shortage of Moderna or something? I was really hoping for pediatrician appointments but I think I might hunt down Moderna at a Walgreens (or CVS if those end up being Moderna).

We leave for vacation on Friday, and I haven't found any appointments before Saturday. I'm super annoyed by everything right now.

OMG same!!! I’m regretting not booking a Moderna appt I found yesterday that was 30 mins away. I keep checking CVS and I’m so annoyed they aren’t updated yet. WTF?!? We’ve been waiting 2.5 years for this, why are they taking their sweet ass time updating things? 😡

[Velar Fricative]

Jun 20, 2022 11:16:40 GMT -5 starburst said:

Would you space the covid vaccine from other vaccines? DS2 is turning 4 next month and is scheduled for his MMR and varicella boosters. If I can get him a moderna appointment for this week, his 4 year old shots will fall between dose 1 and dose 2.

We are ripping the bandaid off. DD2 turned 5 this month and she got her first dose on 6/14. No side effects after that and she’s never had side effects from previous vaccines before. Her well check is this Friday 4/24, with a couple of shots due. Then she will get dose 2 in July (will schedule that this Friday - I wanted to talk to her pediatricians about whether we should stick to 3 weeks or add a bit more spacing).

[pandorica]

Jun 20, 2022 11:39:08 GMT -5 noodleoo said:

Jun 20, 2022 10:27:54 GMT -5 pandorica said:

I am very annoyed by this. Why are so many places only doing Pfizer?? Is there a shortage of Moderna or something? I was really hoping for pediatrician appointments but I think I might hunt down Moderna at a Walgreens (or CVS if those end up being Moderna).

We leave for vacation on Friday, and I haven't found any appointments before Saturday. I'm super annoyed by everything right now.

OMG same!!! I’m regretting not booking a Moderna appt I found yesterday that was 30 mins away. I keep checking CVS and I’m so annoyed they aren’t updated yet. WTF?!? We’ve been waiting 2.5 years for this, why are they taking their sweet ass time updating things? 😡

It's honestly infuriating!! I've told my friends that this pandemic has made me bitter as a parent of a young kid, and I think it's going to stick with me for a long time. I'm so, so mad at how this has all gone down.

[pixy0stix]

Walgreens in my area is booking for pfizer.

[fluffycookie]

CVS near me is doing pfizer for children according to their website.

[abs]

Jun 20, 2022 11:16:40 GMT -5 starburst said:

Would you space the covid vaccine from other vaccines? DS2 is turning 4 next month and is scheduled for his MMR and varicella boosters. If I can get him a moderna appointment for this week, his 4 year old shots will fall between dose 1 and dose 2.

I would ask your pedi.  DD has had (minor) reactions to shots in the past so when we were in this position we were advised to break them up a little bit.  I prioritized her Covid vaccine and then got her 11 year old shots a month or so after her second dose.

[pixy0stix]

CVS and Kroger haven't updated their website. Pediatrician's office said they're not providing any covid vaccinations - so that screws all the under 3 yo kids in the area, as that's a huge chain of doctors.

[pixy0stix]

We're scheduled for tomorrow at a mobile health vaxx bus.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ETA: Well the system is fucked up, so we had to rebook. We have an appt for Friday in a town about an hour away. It's for moderna.

[mskitkat]

My pediatrician isn’t booking appointments yet as their supply hasn’t come in. The person I spoke with didn’t have an answer for me on what they are recommending for time after a covid infection. I’m really hoping that the Moderna person I spoke with was misinformed and tomorrow they will be able to vaccinate my daughter at her usual appointment.

[mccallister84]

Jun 20, 2022 11:16:40 GMT -5 starburst said:

Would you space the covid vaccine from other vaccines? DS2 is turning 4 next month and is scheduled for his MMR and varicella boosters. If I can get him a moderna appointment for this week, his 4 year old shots will fall between dose 1 and dose 2.

We just had our 4 year well check today. The doctor said they have been told not to coadminister them but that there was no problem with her keeping her appointment for Monday.

[lo]

We also wanted Moderna and our pedi is only getting Pfizer. Twins have a check up next Monday so hopefully they have them in by then. They don’t turn 3 until December so I guess we are stuck getting what our pedi offers since they are too young to go to a pharmacy :/

[seeyalater52]

Jun 20, 2022 13:51:53 GMT -5 mccallister84 said:

Jun 20, 2022 11:16:40 GMT -5 starburst said:

Would you space the covid vaccine from other vaccines? DS2 is turning 4 next month and is scheduled for his MMR and varicella boosters. If I can get him a moderna appointment for this week, his 4 year old shots will fall between dose 1 and dose 2.

We just had our 4 year well check today. The doctor said they have been told not to coadminister them but that there was no problem with her keeping her appointment for Monday.

I’d want to know told by whom because I’m 99% sure the CDC recommendations don’t have a stance on this. There is not a lot of evidence either way, although with some other vaccines co-administering actually boosts immune response in a positive way. But no reason other than physician or practice preference not to do it together according to the experts.

[mccallister84]

Jun 20, 2022 14:04:14 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

Jun 20, 2022 13:51:53 GMT -5 mccallister84 said:

We just had our 4 year well check today. The doctor said they have been told not to coadminister them but that there was no problem with her keeping her appointment for Monday.

I’d want to know told by whom because I’m 99% sure the CDC recommendations don’t have a stance on this. There is not a lot of evidence either way, although with some other vaccines co-administering actually boosts immune response in a positive way. But no reason other than physician or practice preference not to do it together according to the experts.

Well for us it’s a moot point because they did not have the vaccines today (as expected) and we were there for an appointment made months ago. So I did not ask any questions about this.

[seeyalater52]

Jun 20, 2022 14:10:54 GMT -5 mccallister84 said:

Jun 20, 2022 14:04:14 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

I’d want to know told by whom because I’m 99% sure the CDC recommendations don’t have a stance on this. There is not a lot of evidence either way, although with some other vaccines co-administering actually boosts immune response in a positive way. But no reason other than physician or practice preference not to do it together according to the experts.

Well for us it’s a moot point because they did not have the vaccines today (as expected) and we were there for an appointment made months ago. So I did not ask any questions about this.

Totally fair - I just didn’t want others reading to think this was part of any official guideline. It was discussed a lot by ACIP and no one I heard suggested it would cause any problems, even though they acknowledge it might make parents nervous.

[georgeglass]

For anyone looking in VA, the local health districts have started loading into VASE.
vase.vdh.virginia.gov/vdhapps/f?p=vasereg:vaccinationappointments

Charlottesville in particular had a lot of Moderna slots at last check.

[wanderingback]

Well after all this time today is my first actual known exposure to someone I’ve spent time a good amount of time with.

I spent Saturday with a few family members. I was adamant about eating outdoors, thankfully. But we pretty much spent the whole day together, all outdoors except for about 30 minutes (we were masked on the subway and when we were helping family members check in to a hotel). Then, in the evening most of family members went home. On Sunday I spent some more time with the person who tested positive but it was again outside.

But today they called me that they tested positive last night after their significant other said their neck felt warm. They had tested negative on Saturday (they have to test for work).

It’s the most socializing I’ve done since being pregnant, ugh. I def am going to go back in to hibernation mode. I’ll do some serial testing and hope all is well.

[noodleoo]

Ugh this is so frustrating!!! CVS finally updated their website, but for under 5 you have to do it at a Minute Clinic location, of which there are much fewer and farther away of course. I went through the whole sign up, but it doesn’t say whether they will give Pfizer or Moderna! Why are they making this so hard? 😔 I guess I’ll just wait and see what our pedi gets (my dr said they hope to offer both).

I’m starting to think the delay on approving Moderna for under 5 is because the govt ordered a shit ton of Pfizer and so they basically are pushing that which is so frustrating!!!

[seeyalater52]

Jun 21, 2022 7:39:34 GMT -5 noodleoo said:

Ugh this is so frustrating!!! CVS finally updated their website, but for under 5 you have to do it at a Minute Clinic location, of which there are much fewer and farther away of course. I went through the whole sign up, but it doesn’t say whether they will give Pfizer or Moderna! Why are they making this so hard? 😔 I guess I’ll just wait and see what our pedi gets (my dr said they hope to offer both).

I’m starting to think the delay on approving Moderna for under 5 is because the govt ordered a shit ton of Pfizer and so they basically are pushing that which is so frustrating!!!

I’m incredibly frustrated that it looks like CVS isn’t going to roll out 3+ that they’re legally allowed to vaccinate at their regular clinic locations. That is a big access issue as there are FAR fewer Minute Clinic locations.

As of right now Minute Clinic is only scheduling for Pfizer but it is possible they will update with Moderna appointments later on. Or possible they’re only doing Pfizer.

What an absolute hot mess. It also makes me question who ordered the Moderna doses. When the admin publishes the pre order numbers Moderna lags behind but it doesn’t look as unbalanced as it does in practice. If Moderna was primarily ordered by providers that means it is mostly only accessible to patients of those providers. More than 50% of pediatricians aren’t offering these vaccines to their patients never mind to random other kids outside their practice. For a bunch of people who touted the importance of evaluating the data side by side so parents could make an informed choice* they’re sure making that impossible.

*not supposed to be the role of the FDA but ok

[seeyalater52]

wanderingback and Mushe I’m so sorry about the exposures. I hope you escape without covid in both cases.

[pixy0stix]

Daycare locked down with their covid procedures again. We just have to make it to Friday for the kid's first dose!

[lemoncupcake]

Jun 21, 2022 8:52:39 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Daycare locked down with their covid procedures again. We just have to make it to Friday for the kid's first dose!

We just got a daycare exposure notification this morning for someone who was at daycare yesterday 😭

I’ll be doing rapid tests leading up to her vaccine appointment for sure, but I’m not sure if we should delay in case she turns positive a few days later. The note obviously didn’t say who it was but I’m guessing it’s her teacher since they have a sub this week.