Getting the Vaccine?

We’re coming upon a year of wearing masks, working from home, social distancing, and being aware that the world as we knew it before the pandemic is still not back. Most of us of a certain age were skeptical of the vaccine when it was first mentioned.  In fact, most of us had decided that we would not be the guinea pigs for something that we thought might harm us, and I was one of them. There is a history in the fear of something new.

As a woman of a certain age, I am allowed to change my mind.  There were a number of reasons that I did. The reasons that swayed me to take the vaccine were:

• We take the pneumonia shot.  Do we know what is in the shot?  The doctor tells us some medical jargon that the average person does not under, and he sticks us.  We go home now thinking that we’re better protected against contracting pneumonia.
• The flu shot is another one that we take.  Each year for so many years we have taken this shot, and some of us have still come down with the flu.  Even though we know we can still contract the flu, we take the vaccine hoping that if we do, it will not be a bad case.
• Now the two-part Shingles shot is something new for us. Remember, before it was one and done, but now we must take two shots.  A lot of us take the Shingles shot because of the fear that has been planted by the commercials on television.  But, we take both shots.
• We have immunized our children and grandchildren for years without a thought about it.
• I personally know people that have been affected by Covid.  Knowing people who have contracted the virus, died, or still have side effects contributed to my decision.
• I have family that lives in another country. Who knows what they will require to fly or to come into another country.

So I decided to put on my big girl panties and get the shot.  Now there are ways that differ from place to place on being able to get the vaccine.  I live in Tarrant County, Texas.  This is what we had to do.

• We had to online and register at the Tarrant County Public Health Department.  They confirm by phone and email that you have registered.  You are then to wait for the next step.
• Next, we received an email and call informing us of our appointment day, time, and location. You need to confirm.  No, it’s not like at the doctor’s office where you can make your own appointment.
• There was paperwork that needed to be filled out online, and a consent form that we had to bring with us.

The only thing left was to go to our appointment. From start to finish it took about 35 to 45 minutes.  I have heard from others that theirs took longer.  Here’s the process in Tarrant County, Texas.

• We were checked in electronically, and our signed consent form was stamped, and then we were sent to the next step.
• The next step was the copying of our identification, consent form, and insurance card.  You do not need insurance to get the vaccine.
• Then off to the line(s) to get our shot.  They ask which arm we wanted the shot in and then stuck us.
• We were given a card that we must bring back for the second shot.  It gives the date of the first shot.  Then we were given a postit note with a time on it.  We were required to sit in socially distanced chairs for 15 minutes to make sure we didn’t have any reactions to the shot.  A friend of mine was required to site for 30 minutes because of the medications she is on.  Once our time was up, we got up, stuck the note on the chair, and left.

There was no discomfort in getting the shot. The only thing there is to worry about is keeping up with the card.  I put mine in my wallet.

Remember, that each county has a different procedure.  For instance, right next door in Dallas, County, Texas anyone 75 and older do not need an appointment to get the vaccine. I like that.

So I am waiting on my second shot for Shingles and Covid. I do wish they would bring back the sugar cubes–if you are of a certain age, you know what I’m talking about.  Remember “thisisyourbestyear“–decide what’s best for you and your family, I did.