Taking the Covid-19 vaccine

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Sorry, didn't know about your phobia.

It's totally cool.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

It's simple: I firmly believe I run a higher risk of dying from my reaction to injections than I do from Covid.

Remember, I'm the extreme needlephobic that was on the brink of being coded because they couldn't arrest the rapid, and approaching catastrophic, decline of my blood pressure and heart rate.

The British Journal of Medicine noted in 2014 "Needle phobia of this kind has even been attributed to cause of death in 23 documented cases. In these cases the vasovagal response has been so severe and occasionally paired with arthrosclerosis, as to cause myocardial or cerebral infarction"

My vasovagal response to the situation has been so extreme that I feel like I stand a reasonably high chance of becoming the 24th ... and I really don't wanna go out like that.

edit to add: And that's true even with my firm belief that a Covid case stands a pretty fair chance of killing me. 3 pack a day smoker, at 53, I have to be realistic about my odds of any lung-related issue. I still like my chances better with Covid.

double edit: Just for the curious, I've only been stuck once in the last 25 years, and that took 5 people to accomplish safely. And it was roughly an hour before I regained consciousness. I've only been stuck twice in the last 30+ years.

In my early 30s, I spent a month undergoing about $100k in medical tests (MRIs, CAT scans, blood tests, stress tests, hearts tests, you name it) because I was passing out on a semi-regular basis.

The ultimate diagnosis was that I have an extreme vaso-vagel response to repressed stress. (Stress? What stress? I don't feel any stress!)

I'm telling this story just to throw some support your way, Jon. That vaso-vagel thing is no joke if you're prone to it. (I dealt with it by smoking more cigarettes. Sounds like we've got that in common. )

[molson]

I was just about to give into the "nobody's checking anything" pressure, but Idaho moved up the dates and I'm signed up for a good and valid shot next week.

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by molson

I was just about to give into the "nobody's checking anything" pressure, but Idaho moved up the dates and I'm signed up for a good and valid shot next week.

awesome!

[Ksyrup]

I get my second shot tomorrow. In the middle of what looks to be a pretty intense storm system moving through Kentucky. I hope the "30 minutes wrapped around Alltech Arena just to get inside to wait another 75 minutes" thing has been rectified in the 3 weeks since my first shot.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Drake

(I dealt with it by smoking more cigarettes. Sounds like we've got that in common. )

One of my all-time favorite quotes from Anthony Bourdain was some trip to (I think it was) SE Asia, where he climbs some crazy high mountain and says something about how he needed a smoke just so he could breathe clearly.

I've never understood anything anyone said better than I understood exactly what he meant by that ... I suspect you get it too lol

[Lathum]

A friend gave me an email address that you write to, tell them name, age, why you are eligible, etc...and I did it for my wife, I have mine already. Wrote them this morning, but mid day they wrote me back saying she was scheduled for tomorrow. I was amazed. apparently a lot of people aren't aware of this method here in Jersey.

[RainMaker]

Got my first shot today. It was the Moderna and my arm is a tad sore but that's it.

[miami_fan]

Another resource if you or someone you know is elgible.

https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/86532/v...n=VetResources

Covered individuals can receive a vaccine from VA due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. Under the bill, covered individuals are:

Veterans who are not eligible to enroll in the VA health care system;

specified Veterans who are eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care abroad;

family caregivers approved as providers of personal care services for Veterans under the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers;

caregivers of Veterans participating in the VA’s Program of General Caregiver Support Services; and

caregivers of Veterans participating in the VA’s Medical Foster Home Program, Bowel and Bladder Program, Home Based Primary Care Program, or Veteran Directed Care Program.

Civilian Health and Medical Programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs recipients.

Veteran spouses.

[Vince, Pt. II]

First shot tomorrow, wife got hers yesterday. She got Pfizer, I won't know what I get until I arrive.

Glad to be on the books, and looking forward to being done with the whole thing.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

I realize that there are a lot of steps between being comfortable with getting shots and where you are, but I work with folks with anxiety and these things are a God-send for the actual injection part of the phobia: Sorry! Something went wrong!

They basically stimulate the area of your skin around where you get the injection with a few dozen small spikes, so your nerves cannot actually feel the injection. Now, not having panic over the related thoughts and the actual visit to the office may be worse (and is for many people).

Am I the only one who finds it weird that the solution to people panicking over a shot is to add a few dozen small spikes before the actual injection?

[GrantDawg]

Georgia is opening the shot to everyone over 16 today. Has most states gone that wide?

[Butter]

Ohio has, basically opening it up last week. They initially said all 40+, but then they directed clinics to basically give any open slots to any eligible people as they were having problems filling all of their appointments.

[henry296]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Georgia is opening the shot to everyone over 16 today. Has most states gone that wide?

Nope, PA is still over 65 or over 16 with health problems.

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Georgia is opening the shot to everyone over 16 today. Has most states gone that wide?

Not quite. Though NCs definition of the heath problems that qualify for our current stage is pretty broad. And a few counties have opened it up fully.

And I know one friend who signed up in a more rural county who was honest that she didn't qualify yet, and they said that was no problem b/c they had more supply than they were using at this point.

We seem to be at the point where some of the more vaccine-eager counties here still have waits, but the more rural areas are effectively supplied for every willing adult.

For example--very conservative Cumberland County has only 15% of the population that has received one dose, but they have opened it up to everyone b/c the demand among the eligible groups has pretty much gone away.

[cuervo72]

https://covidlink.maryland.gov/conte...ution_3.18.pdf

We are in Phase 2A. 60+ for non-special cases. Phase 2B adds 16+ with conditions, 2C goes to 55+. Finally, Phase 3 adds 16-55. Which, hey - I'm in the same physical boat as my kids, right?

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Georgia is opening the shot to everyone over 16 today. Has most states gone that wide?

Texas is doing all adults next week, I believe

SI

[Ksyrup]

Kentucky has not formally opened up for all, but it depends on where you are. Lexington is now 18 and over. Supposed to be statewide no later than April 12th for 16 and up.

In a sign of where I live though, I have seen 2 different news reports in recent days about concerns that supply will rapidly outpace demand here, as about half of KY adults don't want the vaccine. Presumably because getting the vaccine would be an admission that your FB posts about Covid being a hoax would make you look like the idiot we all knew you were...

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Georgia is opening the shot to everyone over 16 today. Has most states gone that wide?

TN goes to that next week (or week after next?) I saw last night.

Kemp is trying to get the state's numbers up from the awkward 49th place, he's hoping this will look better.

Thing is, the process is still pretty broken here so I don't know how this will accomplish anything nearly so much as making it an even bigger clusterfuck.

(When you're routing people 4+ hours to find a shot while locations closer to those people have leftover shots ... yeah, it's still a mess)

[molson]

After hearing how things went in Massachusetts in terms of the hoops people jumped through to get things scheduled, I wondered how quickly I could get an appointment even after I became eligible. But I went online and found 10+ open appointments every day in every one of our many Albertson's and Walgreen's. I guess that's why they moved up the eligibility categories. It also probably helps to have a higher % of anti-vaxxers in the state than normal. And, supply itself is probably just higher and more consistent everywhere now than a month or two ago.

Watching how things continue to unfold in Europe, the vaccine production and rollout is definitely America's finest moment of the pandemic.

New cases and deaths haven't continued to drop dramatically like they did a month or two ago. I'm sure those numbers will improve more gradually from here, but, I wonder if we're settling into a lower baseline that will still be with us for a while. Low enough that we mostly get back to normal. If the hospitals aren't overwhelmed, and most everyone has access to a vaccine whether they want it or not (and all of the high risk people do), there's not much reason left for restrictions, government-imposed or private/social, aside from basic common bad flu-season type sense.

[Ksyrup]

Our numbers have dropped off a cliff the past 3 or so weeks. Like, we're in pre-August territory in terms of 7-day average cases. And our positivity rate is under 3% and I don't remember the last time we were that low.

I feel like the combination of spring break (nearly everyone we know is going to FL), spring in general and the Covid variants inevitably making their way into KY are going to offset the vaccines and our numbers will start to climb again, but I hope not.

[CrimsonFox]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Texas is doing all adults next week, I believe

SI

Texas has a whorehoue in it!

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by molson

After hearing how things went in Massachusetts in terms of the hoops people jumped through to get things scheduled, I wondered how quickly I could get an appointment even after I became eligible. But I went online and found 10+ open appointments every day in every one of our many Albertson's and Walgreen's. I guess that's why they moved up the eligibility categories. It also probably helps to have a higher % of anti-vaxxers in the state than normal. And, supply itself is probably just higher and more consistent everywhere now than a month or two ago.

Watching how things continue to unfold in Europe, the vaccine production and rollout is definitely America's finest moment of the pandemic.

New cases and deaths haven't continued to drop dramatically like they did a month or two ago. I'm sure those numbers will improve more gradually from here, but, I wonder if we're settling into a lower baseline that will still be with us for a while. Low enough that we mostly get back to normal. If the hospitals aren't overwhelmed, and most everyone has access to a vaccine whether they want it or not (and all of the high risk people do), there's not much reason left for restrictions, government-imposed or private/social, aside from basic common bad flu-season type sense.

The final piece of the puzzle will be vaccines for kids. Once we are at a point when everyone who does not want themselves or their kids to get COVID can get a vaccine, then I don't see why we can't be pretty much 100% back to normal domesticaly.

[Thomkal]

Sorry if this was posted already, but here's a very good reason to get vaccinated:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/krispy-...cination-card/

Yep that's right-a free original glazed donut every day for the rest of the year.

[JPhillips]

Getting my second tomorrow. It was delayed a week while I was in quarantine, but I still get it on a Friday so I can deal with any side-effects over the weekend.

[Brian Swartz]

Originally Posted by Thomkal

Sorry if this was posted already, but here's a very good reason to get vaccinated:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/krispy-...cination-card/

Yep that's right-a free original glazed donut every day for the rest of the year.

Let me see if I have this correct. We are going to try to incentivize people to do something to protect public health, by encouraging them to have free unhealthy food to sabotage their own personal health?

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Brian Swartz

Let me see if I have this correct. We are going to try to incentivize people to do something to protect public health, by encouraging them to have free unhealthy food to sabotage their own personal health?

So half-empty. The half-full is they are helping feed people who need more/food.

[Brian Swartz]

With programs such as food stamps etc. already in place though, food kitchens, etc. the number of people for who would benefit from this and not have a better food option available to them while also not being able to afford to buy their own food is vanishingly small. I stand behind calling the glass half-empty, because that's what it is here. I'd say more like 95% empty .

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Brian Swartz

Let me see if I have this correct. We are going to try to incentivize people to do something to protect public health, by encouraging them to have free unhealthy food to sabotage their own personal health?

They need to start the next health crisis now that they have a vaccine right?

[Vince, Pt. II]

Can't speak highly enough of the program Sutter Health ran in Santa Cruz today for me. No line, drove right up and got the shot in the arm from my car. Had an email with my after-visit summary before I even parked for the 15 minute wait to watch for allergic reactions.

Then I fell asleep in my car, and they freaked out. Made me take two separate blood pressure tests 15 more minutes apart before they let me leave. I am obviously ok, and glad they took the precautions, but I felt kind of silly.

[Racer]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

Kentucky has not formally opened up for all, but it depends on where you are. Lexington is now 18 and over. Supposed to be statewide no later than April 12th for 16 and up.

In a sign of where I live though, I have seen 2 different news reports in recent days about concerns that supply will rapidly outpace demand here, as about half of KY adults don't want the vaccine. Presumably because getting the vaccine would be an admission that your FB posts about Covid being a hoax would make you look like the idiot we all knew you were...

I believe most adults in Kentucky qualify for a Covid vaccine at this point.

If Kentucky's population demographics are are the same as the U.S. then roughly 82.6% qualify by age (34.0% 50 or older per random google search) or BMI>= 25 (73.6% of Americans per CDC).

Once you account for the probability someone doesn't fall under any occupation listed, doesn't have asthma, and isn't pregnant,
you then get to about 12% to 16% of adults in Kentucky not eligible for the Covid vaccine. This assumes that:

a.) the underlying data that I quickly googled is actually accurate.
b.) the Kentucky demographic breakdown is exactly the same as the U.S.
C.) That BMI and age are not correlated with one another and
D.) BMI and age are not correlated with different occupations and pregnancy and that age isn't correlated with asthma.

If you account for the probability someone doesn't live in Lexington but lives in Kentucky then you get to about 11% to 15% of adults who don't qualify or about 85% to 89% who do qualify.

I didn't account for any other underlying conditions besides asthma or pregnancy but I'd be very surprised if they decreased the percent not eligible by more then 1% or 2%.

I don't qualify yet. I don't understand the purpose of excluding such a small minority at this point from the Covid vaccine. That being said, I'm guessing a large percentage of people do not realize they qualify because of BMI.

[Ksyrup]

They have definitely stressed the age qualifiers far more than anything else since they opened it up to ages under 70 (60, then 50 and by Monday, 40). That's probably because the "underlying health conditions" people were already eligible when the elderly were. Perhaps it is not an advisable political move to remind people how fat they are? I don't know.

I had a vastly different experience getting the 2nd shot than the 1st. A nearly 2 hour wait 3 weeks ago; 35 minutes total today. There was hardly anyone there.

[JAG]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Georgia is opening the shot to everyone over 16 today. Has most states gone that wide?

Minnesota just announced that starting March 30th it will be open to all residents 16 and older.

[MrBug708]

I have my second on Sunday (Pfizer) and I'm dreading about how I'm gonna react. I posted that I had a brief, but terrifying hospital stay due to COVID back in December. When I got my first shot a couple of weeks go, I had 48 hours of COVID symptons that had similar reactions as to when I had COVID. Even a moment where I thought I was losing my breath. And everyone is saying it's both easier and harder (depending on the person) when they get their second shot. Hoping for the best, but expecting the worse. Well, not the worse, but a crappy 48 hours.

[thesloppy]

That does sound harrowing, hope it all goes fine!

[Honolulu_Blue]

I just got my first shot - Pfizer - today. The government set up a massive FEMA vaccine site at Ford Field. My wife has been tracking this stuff like a hawk and I was on a work call around 5 pm when she texted me and told they were taking walk-ins at Ford Field until 6. I switched the call from my PC to my phone and drove the 20 or so minutes downtown.

It was pretty much a breeze after that. Very relieved to get in the system. My left is a bit sore, but that's it.

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

I just got my first shot - Pfizer - today. The government set up a massive FEMA vaccine site at Ford Field. My wife has been tracking this stuff like a hawk and I was on a work call around 5 pm when she texted me and told they were taking walk-ins at Ford Field until 6. I switched the call from my PC to my phone and drove the 20 or so minutes downtown.

It was pretty much a breeze after that. Very relieved to get in the system. My left is a bit sore, but that's it.

So something positive happened for the people of Detroit at Ford Field? That's unexpected. :-)

Kidding aside, that's great news. Happy you got the shot.

[NobodyHere]

I finally got an appointment Monday at Wal-Greens

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

I finally got an appointment Monday at Wal-Greens

Good luck! My first shot at Walgreens was very efficient.

[CraigSca]

Had my 2nd Pfizer on Wednesday. Literally did not feel it going in and wasn't looking, so all afternoon I had semi-concern that I didn't actually receive my 2nd dose. By 9pm that night my arm was sore, confirming I did indeed receive it (ha!). By 11pm I had a fever and chills. Crappy sleep and was a mess yesterday. Feeling a lot better today.

For those wondering, my first Pfizer only made my arm sore for a day, but the 2nd dose hit me like a truck. Still, more than worth it

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

So something positive happened for the people of Detroit at Ford Field? That's unexpected. :-)

Kidding aside, that's great news. Happy you got the shot.

Heh! Seriously. I was hoping that standing next to a picture of current Jaguars WR Marvin Jones wasn't going to be a bad sign.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

Had my 2nd Pfizer on Wednesday. Literally did not feel it going in and wasn't looking, so all afternoon I had semi-concern that I didn't actually receive my 2nd dose. By 9pm that night my arm was sore, confirming I did indeed receive it (ha!). By 11pm I had a fever and chills. Crappy sleep and was a mess yesterday. Feeling a lot better today.

For those wondering, my first Pfizer only made my arm sore for a day, but the 2nd dose hit me like a truck. Still, more than worth it

Good to know. My arm is still pretty sore from my first Pfizer shot yesterday.

[pantera]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

I have my second on Sunday (Pfizer) and I'm dreading about how I'm gonna react. I posted that I had a brief, but terrifying hospital stay due to COVID back in December. When I got my first shot a couple of weeks go, I had 48 hours of COVID symptons that had similar reactions as to when I had COVID. Even a moment where I thought I was losing my breath. And everyone is saying it's both easier and harder (depending on the person) when they get their second shot. Hoping for the best, but expecting the worse. Well, not the worse, but a crappy 48 hours.

I've spoken to two people who had lesser reactions to their 2nd shot than to their 1st. Not the norm, but it happens. Hopefully you have the same experience. Good luck.

[GrantDawg]

My wife did have what they are calling "8 day arm" after her first Moderna shot. Big red swollen warm area where the shot was given, and a swollen lymp node on that side. It is fine now. Seems it is very common in women.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

[Ksyrup]

I got my second shot nearly 24 hours ago and I don't notice anything except a minor sore arm when I try to raise my shoulder and move it around. So, if I was playing tennis, it might actually bother me. Otherwise, the runny nose I had the 1st time around hasn't been much of an issue, which leads me to believe the runny nose had more to do with staying in a hotel than the shot.

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

I finally got an appointment Monday at Wal-Greens

Heh, ditto. I happened to check this morning, and lo and behold, a ton of appts open. Coulda done it tomorrow or sunday if I wasn't already busy.

[CrimsonFox]

[Thomkal]

Heh

[JPhillips]

Got my second!

[Racer]

I got my first Covid-19 vaccine shot today. It was Moderna. I feel elated.

I called 6 Walgreens this morning asking if I could be put on a standby list in case someone didn't show up for their vaccine appointment since I wasn't eligible yet. Three said yes, two said call back after 4 pm, and one said they couldn't give me the vaccine under any circumstance.

One of three called back just before 4 pm. Another one actually called around 5:30 pm as well so depending on where you live the standby method seems worth trying if you're not eligible yet.