topic Re: Vaccine Question & Concern in Community Chat

Vaccine Question & Concern

occasionalrain — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:12:14 GMT

What about seniors waiting in line for hours around others who may have the virus scans symptoms? Even if they aren't exposed to the virus, this waiting is stressful and can't be good for their health.

Is it safe to get the vaccine if one, unknowingly, has the virus?

How can one be sure those responsible for maintaining the vaccine at the proper temperature can be trusted?

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

Krimpette — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:15:29 GMT

I'm definitely going to get the vaccine. However, as an elderly person, I just can't stand in a long line waiting. Thus, I've decided to continue to observe the current protocols, as I've been doing all along. I will get the shot as soon as it becomes more readily available. I don't venture much outside anyway, other than groceries and drugstore occasionally. Surely, there should have been a better way, especially for the elderly.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

Vivian — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:23:18 GMT

I have had nothing but frustration while trying to sign up for vaccinations for me and my husband. I officially give up unless and until I hear that a great number of vaccines has become available. Nobody in my family has been vaccinated. We live in NY, NJ, MD, and CA. Dr Fauci tells us that we should be vaccinated ASAP to outrun the mutations in the virus that can create more virulent strains. What are we supposed to do? I have quarantined myself for almost a year. This is nuts!

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

Another new name Sue — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:23:42 GMT

You are right about the difficulty of standing in line and the risk of exposure. In some areas the weather is too hot and in some too cold to be comfortable in line for long. When we were in line, I saw younger people with olders, probably their "children." But not all seniors have that. Everyone was distancing when we went. Some had folding chairs. In some areas the vaccine is given to people still in their cars.

We must have faith the vaccine has been maintained properly. That's all we can do.

I know you are anxious and worried. Do you have a reservation for the vaccine yet, and that's why you are concerned?

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

Pook — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:46:51 GMT

No one should have to show up and wait in line for hours for a vaccine that may or may not be administered that day!! The process everywhere should be streamlined to just have to go online, answer a few questions to determine eligibility right now and if eligible be put on a local list then appointments set up in order received. This will also serve to see what areas need vaccine centers set up to accomodate the majority. Right now I choose to not even try to sign up for many reasons including that not enough is really known about long term negative side effects but if I really wanted one would never go through this chaotic process!

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

occasionalrain — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:33:54 GMT

@Another new name Sue

I haven't registered nor do I intend to get the vaccine until it's available from my doctor. This mass, mismanaged distribution with volunteers, health care students... giving shots is unsafe in my opinion.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

Another new name Sue — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:35:40 GMT

@Pook

I understand your frustration with the process. The roll-out has been troublesome. We do it to protect not only ourselves but cherished friends and family. And for community health.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

Xivambala — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:40:36 GMT

I will share experience with my first Pfizer vaccine administered yesterday in Ft Lauderdale, FL. I waited a long time for my appointment and was not given a choice of locations to go to. I was assigned to a soccer stadium that was not a drive thru location. It was very well organized. People are screened before coming for known COVID exposure. That doesn't stop someone from lying or indicate that someone may be exposed and not know it. Can we really ensure no one has had an exposure? People were temperature screened before being allowed to enter the check-in area. There was a line, not too long, with floor markers 6 feet apart. The very elderly and people with mobility problems were allowed to bypass the line. I was in and out within 50 minutes of my appointment time. This included 30 minutes wait time after the injection which I needed due to a prior reaction to a flu vaccination.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

Another new name Sue — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:44:48 GMT

The volunteers I saw were merely directing people.

People don't need to have an MD degree to give an injection. A firefighter/paramedic gave me the injection. I know it's been somewhat of a 'screw-up' especially in making a reservation, but I believe it's worth doing.

If someone does not want the vaccine,fine! Don't get it.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

occasionalrain — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:48:53 GMT

@Xivambala

Thanks, it seems whomever is in charge in your area is better organized than many places.

I saw on the news that a veteran's hospital in the NE had senior veterans waiting hours standing outside in the cold.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

Carmie — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:53:42 GMT

@occasionalrain wrote:
@Another new name Sue
I haven't registered nor do I intend to get the vaccine until it's available from my doctor. This mass, mismanaged distribution with volunteers, health care students... giving shots is unsafe in my opinion.

I don't think individual doctors are getting the vaccine to give to their patients. They have no way to store it to keep it cold enough so that it doesn't spoil.

Eventually, you will have to get it someplace where proper handling of the vaccine can take place. You do not have to be a medical professional to give an injection. People even give themselves injections in their homes everyday for non Covid reasons.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

SeaMaiden — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:08:39 GMT

@Xivambala wrote:
I will share experience with my first Pfizer vaccine administered yesterday in Ft Lauderdale, FL. I waited a long time for my appointment and was not given a choice of locations to go to. I was assigned to a soccer stadium that was not a drive thru location. It was very well organized. People are screened before coming for known COVID exposure. That doesn't stop someone from lying or indicate that someone may be exposed and not know it. Can we really ensure no one has had an exposure? People were temperature screened before being allowed to enter the check-in area. There was a line, not too long, with floor markers 6 feet apart. The very elderly and people with mobility problems were allowed to bypass the line. I was in and out within 50 minutes of my appointment time. This included 30 minutes wait time after the injection which I needed due to a prior reaction to a flu vaccination.

This sounds doable..... but when people are in line for 5 hours with no bathrooms.... not going to do that....

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

occasionalrain — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:11:58 GMT

I'm not concerned for myself, I'm not in group A, have no health conditions.

Not all vaccines need extreme sub zero temperatures, some only need regular refrigeration.

If, I were among those with dangerous health conditions, I'd take the risk of getting this vaccine now but since I'm not, I'm going to wait.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

skatting44 — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:12:16 GMT

@occasionalrain wrote:
What about seniors waiting in line for hours around others who may have the virus scans symptoms? Even if they aren't exposed to the virus, this waiting is stressful and can't be good for their health.

Is it safe to get the vaccine if one, unknowingly, has the virus?

How can one be sure those responsible for maintaining the vaccine at the proper temperature can be trusted?

You have the right to inquire and question any staff who is in charge of maintaining the integrity of the vaccine at any site.

Unfortunately, most who are administering the vaccine are not the ones that have anything to do with vaccine integrity , so ask for supervisors . Each responsible agent must maintain a log checking on the freezer temperature or refridgerator temp for Moderna vaccine . here's the web info for Moderna www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/eua-fact-sheet-providers.pdf .

This info includes how long it can be stored frozen and how long it can be in the refrigerator and how long it can be stored at room temp ( 59 to 77 degrees F ) once the vial has been punctured to administer doses . Unfortunately, jsut like any place that you receive a vaccine you are at the mercy of who ever is storing and administering it to follow proper protocol . Since vaccines have been moved out of the realm of Doctors offices and Registered Nurse"s realm , in my opinion it's difficult to trust if anyone knows protocol or follows proper protocol .

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

BlueFinch — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:28:27 GMT

I've been calling a senior vaccine clinic in my area that opened up this morning for appointments. I started calling at 08:00. It's now after 11:00. After redials for hours, all I get is busy, although on TV they keep saying they're still taking calls. I'm exhausted.

I think I'm going to wait until things settle down more and just continue strict precautions. I'm not too keen on feeling like being herded like cattle, anyway. And, it IS, risky. When rushing people through, mistakes can be made.

Besides, I don't think it's safe to join masses, for a vaccine to prevent an illness, that we might be standing right next to.

I do want the vaccine, but I will wait until it's more readily available and there's some control over the environment where I receive it.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

happycat — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:45:34 GMT

@Vivian wrote:
I have had nothing but frustration while trying to sign up for vaccinations for me and my husband. I officially give up unless and until I hear that a great number of vaccines has become available. Nobody in my family has been vaccinated. We live in NY, NJ, MD, and CA. Dr Fauci tells us that we should be vaccinated ASAP to outrun the mutations in the virus that can create more virulent strains. What are we supposed to do? I have quarantined myself for almost a year. This is nuts!

I understand your frustration. I have spent literal hours online and on the phone trying to get my elderly parents an appointment to get vaccinated.

One of the larger hospitals in this state started taking appointments last week, I registered my parents online which was unbelievably easy after the humps I'd jumped thru at other places. They were called Thursday with an appointment for two weeks and about 3 weeks after that for the second one.

Meanwhile, they have been on three other lists locally for at least 3 weeks and have heard nothing.

Good luck to you, @Vivian and everyone else who is trying to get the vaccine.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

Still Raining — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:45:35 GMT

Just like last fall when they did the flu shots in retail establishments, no way any senior I know will go to a mass mess.

If we are safer staying home, why go out?

Hopefully it will become more orderly.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

Xivambala — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 18:04:42 GMT

It's inhumane to have anyone wait in line for that long, let alone at a Veteran's hospital. They should be ashamed of themselves.

@occasionalrain wrote:
@Xivambala

Thanks, it seems whomever is in charge in your area is better organized than many places.

I saw on the news that a veteran's hospital in the NE had senior veterans waiting hours standing outside in the cold.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

riley1 — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 18:08:46 GMT

Wow, my hubby went for his first dose and said it ran smoothly. He was done in about 30 min. at most 40 min. He was given a specific time, there was someone calling out times - when yours was called they directed you to the back of the area and there were about 12 people administering the shots. Then he sat for 15 minutes and was released.

I'm shocked it ran easily. It opens at 9 am I think and goes to 5 pm. You had to make the appt on-line and wait for a call for your appt day/time.

Re: Vaccine Question & Concern

suzyQ3 — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 18:27:51 GMT

I have no concerns regardin the storage of the vaccine. I trust those in charge to know if there has been a breach.

There does come a time when we just have to put aside every possibly worry.

I do feel fortunate that our appt tomorrow is at a drive-through. What's not fortunate is that it is a goo hour commute both ways. That, plus the wait, makes me a bit frantic bladder-wise. I hope the have portable potties.

I even thought about bringing a L&L container and some toilet paper, but my husband nixed that dumb idea, to put it mildly.