Community Chat

[occasionalrain]

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?

[Krimpette]

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.

[Vivian]

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!

[Another new name Sue]

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?

[Pook]

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!  

[occasionalrain]

@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.

[Another new name Sue]

@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.

[Xivambala]

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.

[Another new name Sue]

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.

[occasionalrain]

@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.