The family doctor has no vaccines.
The drug stores have no vaccines.
The county office has no appointments for months.
My parents had to go to a different state for the vaccine.
It was our good old neighborhood superstore that had the solution.
Wal-Mart. And not our neighborhood one. Actually, we don’t have a neighborhood one. But the one that is about thirty minutes away – THEY had the solution.
They had the vaccine and available appointments. A lot of available appointments. So, I did not feel so bad saying I was employed in information/technology to qualify for the vaccine. I mean, in all fairness, I DID have to learn a lot about information and technology to get through online schooling, so….
In short, I wasn’t taking the appointment from anyone else. There was plenty available. I scheduled my shot.
The next day the call came. My appointment was being canceled. I was to have received the Johnson and Johnson shot. Since there have been six blood clot issues attributed to this vaccine, the CDC recalled them.
I was already bummed as I had already canceled my appointment out of precaution.
Bobby was sick with flu-like symptoms. Sore throat, chills, fever, headache, body aches, stuffy nose, cough. In bed for 48 hours straight, in and out of symptoms, and sleep. We scheduled a COVID test for the next day out of necessity and precaution.
Then, a couple of hours later, the school called:
“Bobby was in direct contact with someone at school last Thursday who has tested positive for COVID.”
Since he was around someone who tested positive and was experiencing symptoms himself, Bobby was moved from someone who was possibly infected to a probable case himself.
Our family was directed to quarantine.
I had to tell the Glorious Little Yellow School Bus (GLYSB – aptly coined by King Ben’s Grandma) driver that Declan would not be going to school. For ten days.
I had to tell the two younger kids they had to stay home – from everything – for another ten days. One took it WAY better than the other as he was excited about his new hours of YouTube and project-making time. The other cursed her older brother for something along the lines of “ruining her life.”
Virtual learning ensued (with headphones!). I began making the constant meals for a family of five. Well, four and a half, really, as the sick one has little appetite. Someone is always in the shower. The one-use shower towels began their need for constant washing. I began to work on the new list of home repairs. The bored ones mill about my computer – JUST TO WHINE ABOUT BEING BORED.
This quarantine is a little different than the ones before. The world didn’t come to a stop along with us. Around us it continues to move while we sit and watch from our windows. The weather is nice. We can go for family walks, but who wants to do THAT anymore. That was like, SO March 2020. Bleh.
And we’re only on day four. Yikes.
Since Bobby has such an active schedule, many people had to be notified of possible exposure. After doing everything right and following all the rules, I have to say; it was a little shameful to have to admit. There is that feeling that he did something wrong and put many other people at risk from his bad choices. I have to keep reminding myself that these were the risks everyone who sent their kids to school agreed to take. It could have happened to anyone.
Thankfully, Bobby’s test results were negative. But since he has symptoms and was exposed, the CDC and school continue to label him as a probable case. We are to remain in quarantine for another six days.
Recently, I heard a health expert on the news say, “You are either going to get the vaccine or the coronavirus. You pick.”
When this is all over, I will continue my search again for a possible vaccination appointment. After another round of quarantine, I most definitely pick the vaccine!
Good luck getting appts soon!!
When I found my drive up clinic changed to walk up, which would be extremely difficult for me, I almost bailed. But I know appts are hard to find. Harder still when it’s 2nd dose and you need a specific brand. So I went for it. Person behind me said he got a cancellation notice… closest appt he could find is May 9, 35 miles away. So he showed up anyway. Fortunately, they only ask to see your confirmation… don’t check it… so he still got in. My knees swelled so I could barely move (from 2hrs standing in the sun) but at least I’m done now!
I saw that line you had to stand in – my goodness! I am glad you made it through, got your shot , and are all done with it now! I do not know what is going on with Pennsylvania but in our area it feels like the shots are limited. We are in the Tri-State area so it is not so difficult to travel for one, but I am in the least category for necessity. I’m going to keep looking and see what I can find. Hopefully, something turns up for me soon (after this whole quarantine thing is over)!
Good luck!
Thank you!
My friend in PA had reservations for both Pfizer and J&J. She cancelled Pfizer and 2 days later her J&J was cancelled. Now she’s frustrated and furious.
I feel her pain. It is so hard to get a vaccination here! Granted, I wasn’t trying so hard a few weeks ago as I thought a SAHM like me was not high on anyone’s list. Then I just started to look and see where I might fit in. I found a way and then – poof! Bummer.
I hope something pops up again soon! For me and for your friend!
I’m sending good vaccine juju to each of you!
Oh, my. I don’t like to hear about the blood clots. My husband has an appointment, but I decided to wait– just in case he feels achy or ill, I can be fine to take care of him and the dog, and he can just take it easy. I’ll get mine after.
It’s good to hear Bobby’s results were negative! And you should absolutely not blame yourself. This is a hard enough time as it is, and small slips are bound to happen.
I hope you get your vaccine safely soon! Take care 🙂
Oh no! Your husband should be fine. The blood clots were only in 6 women aged (I’m guessing on the low end here – I only focused on the high end ;-)) 18-48. That is why they pulled the J&J one. I am hopeful your husband will be fine and experience the usual vaccination response felt by so many.
Thank you! You too!
Oh my. Bless your hearts. Hope you’ll get your sticks very soon.
Thank you! Me too!
Oh man! That totally sucks! I’m wondering when we’ll get notified that Ben had been exposed? Good thing Daughter is fully vaxed and I’m half vaxed, so when (not if, he’s bound to be exposed at some point) Ben *does* get exposed, we can just carry on.
I got incredibly lucky to get that first shot. And I like how California schedules your 2nd shot when you get your 1st. It makes it harder to get the 1st, but it makes sure that you get both.
That J & J was only 6 people out of a million. That’s good odds IMO. Plus only 1 person died, 1 in hospital… so 4 were okay.
Of course, healthy people have better chance of fighting the Kootie if they get it, and you guys are all healthy.
I get feeling like you did something wrong. I’d feel the same way, but you’re right that all the families that opted for school knew the risk.
6 more days to go… Miss Sass will survive. I hope she doesn’t get it.🤞 She’ll really be mad at her brother 😟
Haha! Oh my gosh, you are right. That would be a totally unforgivable sin if she were to get sick too!
I know. I felt the same way. And I really REALLY liked that the J&J shot was just a one and done. I saw the same risk with it and felt the same way. Of course, I always think I will be one of those anomalies, but who knows.
I don’t know why it is so hard to find the shot in PA. I am hoping a viable option is available to me soon!
Oh dear this is a trial of your patience and resilience. We are very short of vaccines up here in Ontario and a lot of the bigger vaccination centers run by the regions have closed. Fortunately my husband and I got a Pfizer shot two weeks ago . But we have to wait till the end of July to get our second shot. But that pales in comparison to your situation. I shall be thinking of you all as you quarantine. Let us know when you get out of it and can get your vaccine,
Thank you, Anne! I will! I hope you guys find a way to your second shot sooner – just to be done with it. Finger’s crossed!
Oh no, what an awful set of events! First off, very glad to hear that Bobby is ok and I hope that Bon is feeling better too.
I can’t even imagine the annoyance of dealing with the chaos of everyone at home and virtual schooling again. This will pass soon enough! 🙂 You May need to schedule a mental health day again for everyone too.
The vaccine situation does feel like the lottery doesn’t it? I can understand the cancellation around the J&J given the news but nonetheless must feel so so frustrating.
They just cancelled 10,000 appointments in our area today as high demand and low supply of vaccines.
We will certainly look back at these times one day with such awe at how we got through it all.
Stay safe and well!
I agree – we will look back in wonderment. It is such a crazy time! Thank you! You too!
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that Ben was exposed and, I agree, probably has it. When I was tested, the doctor told me if I had symptoms and it came back positive, I definitely had it. But, if I had symptoms and it came back negative, I could still have it. I guess the number of false negatives is pretty big, especially with the rapid test. So, it’s good that you are quarantining, even if it is a pain. I hope everyone realizes there’s nothing that can be done and they just have to chill and live with it. (Says the lady who doesn’t have kids. LOL)
I think there are plenty of vaccines available in TN. I was able to get an appointment within 3 weeks of calling and they scheduled my second one the day I got the first. I just got my second one yesterday. I took the Maderna one. I hope you are able to get an appointment soon.
Also, FYI. They aren’t advertising it much, but we were told by my mom’s doctor that you shouldn’t get the vaccine until at least 90 days after you have had CoVID. So, if Ben was going to get a vaccine, he should probably wait. I looked on line to see why. The CDC only says to wait if you had a severe case and were treated with the convalescent plasma or monoclonal antibodies. But, they also say that you are immune from getting it again for up to 6 months, so waiting seems prudent (my opinion and mom’s doctor too). Having lots of antibodies in your system when getting the vaccine, I think, could cause an adverse reaction. Isn’t that why they say the 2nd shot is often the worst? Unless you have had CoVID, and then the first vaccine seems to cause the most reactions.
Good to know! For my husband and I as well. We aren’t showing any symptoms but if we do it is good to know to wait to get the vaccine. Thanks for the heads up!
You’re welcome. I don’t know why they don’t let people know these things. I also found out they are recommending not getting a mammogram for 4 – 6 weeks after you get the vaccine because it can cause swelling in the underarm lymph nodes that can show as a false positive for cancer.
I hope everyone is doing better in your household today!
My husband and I have taken the first shot of Pfizer vaccine. We are scheduled for the second dose in the last week of April.
So sorry to hear this, Robyn. I was scheduled for a J&J shot on Tuesday and it was cancelled. That made me angry! Tens of thousands of people around the country had to reschedule their shots. The CDC should not have advised states to put the shots on hold. The risk of catching Covid is so much higher than the risk of getting a blood clot from the vaccine. (Vermont had its highest weekly total of new Covid cases last week since the pandemic began.) I’m now scheduled for a Moderna shot in two weeks. I really hope you and the rest of your family don’t get sick!
Thank you! Me too. Bobby has been locked in his room so the last anyone (besides me) has seen or been around him is Saturday. As his caregiver I see the most of him but have taken to wearing a mask and heavy hand washing. Here’s hoping no one else gets what he has. That is good news you were able to get scheduled for another shot! Mine was to be on Tuesday too. So frustrating to be so close and then have it taken away!
Ohh that’s really painful to hear with such negativity around. Precautions ought to be placed first in the current situation, so it was good in a way that you were under quarantine while the rest of the world was moving around.
Hope yours and your family’s health remain stable and you get your vaccine shot sooner.
Thank you!
Oh Robyn what a mess. I’m sorry. So hope you strike lucky. Looks like our NHS is playing a blinder on the vaccines. It’s the one thing the government hasn’t tried to give to the private sector. Funnily enough it’s the one thing that’s working. I got the AZ one, that’s another one which has clotting concerns. But the numbers are so low. I guess it what happens when you rush through vaccines, we don’t know how they perform over time yet. Here they are doing vaccines in age groups. You get contacted by the NHS by letter and text to tell you that you can book. You can then either wait for your doctor to contact you or book in at the big vaccine sites they have built.
I thought about that at first too – we don’t know what long term effects these vaccines have since there hasn’t been time to see. I wasn’t so upset that I didn’t qualify for one for so long. There are so many of us that are still just waiting for a shot to become available, it’s crazy. I didn’t get what Bobby had but I do have a head cold at this point. I may just wait a few more weeks to be sure there is nothing in my system that will hurt me when I do find and schedule a shot.
Here the don’t ask if you are feeling well or not when you have the vaccine. Basically they check your temp and ask that you haven’t had the flu vaccine in the last 14 days.
Wow, that’s a complete mirror of what happened with Eli and me. I *still* have chest congestion weeks later. When the world quarantined in 2020, I kept going to my workplace because I’d need to rent a van to bring all of my files home. And of course I shopped at store when we needed food, etc. This quarantine was much different. I really felt trapped in the house, and because I didn’t feel well, I couldn’t go out for walks or runs either. Vaccine availability has broken wide open in Gettysburg. I say if it keeps being a problem, you and Bob should make a day trip here and get your shots.
I think Bob would totally be up for that! Delaware seems to have them, although I do not know how happy they are to have all these Pennsylvanians come in and take their supply. Bobby has such a chesty cough still one week later. I can hear him cough from downstairs. I hope it doesn’t haunt him for a long time. I have developed a head cold. I kind of assumed I would get something since I was the one taking his temperature, getting him the hot water bottle, and bringing his meals in and out – even with a mask on. I hope this doesn’t last a long time, or develop into anything else.
How’s Bobby doing, Robyn? Did your symptoms get any worse? I’ve been thinking about you guys a lot these past two weeks.
Hi there! We are good. We are all back to our regular routines and feeling fine. Bobby was better after a couple of days and went back to school when the quarantine was over. Declan and I had a bit of a head cold for a couple of days, so I kept him home with me until we were feeling better. We are back on track. Thank you for you kind thoughts!
That’s great to hear! Can you get vaccinated now? I got my first shot of Moderna on Tuesday. Finally!
I can! I am scheduled to get my first Moderna shot later this morning. I am happy you were able to get yours too! Finally! 🙂
So thankful you all avoided that! May you and your family be blessed with good health and strong immune systems!