Corona Virus

[KingWalsh]

BIG amen to that, Austin! Good idea to hunker down whenever possible, I'm doing the same. I'm feeling very hopeful about the vaccine and some proactive shifts in administration to get this thing under control. I got sick with it, presumably from work, back in April and I'm still getting fever spikes, horrid lingering effects on my asthma, and fatigue. One of those "long-haulers..." Be safe everyone, and take good care! :heart:

So sorry to hear, EF. Hoping it eventually resolves. Maynard James Keenan (TOOL)had it and says he still has coughing and other issues.

I’m hoping for success with vaccines, but one thing is they are saying those with allergies that require an Epi pen should refrain from getting the Pfizer vaccine. What is the ingredient that is causing this? Ex flu Vaccine has egg proteins.

work is so stressful and depressing, I know I keep saying it, but it is what it is. I am hoping for a light at the end of this tunnel. Kids are so drained as well. My daughter hasn’t been back to school since October. My younger kids go, and then after a day or two are back home because of positives. Honestly I say just stay home until at least January. It sucks for teachers and kids. But it’s for the best I think. It’s chaotic with the going/not going...sometimes with each school doing a different schedule based on where the positives are. My sister is a teacher too and is soo drained as well.

glad to hear you’re negative Soda.

[Scamp]

We decided to just by pass Christmas Were hoping for June 25 to celebrate It's kinda sad as we get older you start to wonder how many more Christmas' we'll have.

[sodascouts]

I know it's risky but I decided to go ahead and travel to Houston for Christmas. It's just me and my parents.

[FreyFollower]

Everyone will have to carefully determine what family gatherings would be safe for you (if any). I actually went to a family wedding a few weeks ago. But it was very small, spread out, with masks. No hugging. My aunt actually came down with covid, but no one else there did, so she probably caught it later. (She has thankfully recovered).
I think you'll be fine, Soda, if it's just y'all, and you're careful. I've had to work in the public since all this began :-(, masked and sanitized frequently, and thank God been O.K. But my mom and me will not be seeing any other family members this Christmas.
Prayers for all those still suffering, their families, and healthcare workers.

[AlreadyGone95]

One of my cousins, her two teenaged sons, and her boyfriend all caught it about a week ago. The boys are fine, she has mild symptoms, and her boyfriend has more moderate symptoms because he also has the flu. A older family friend also has it, alongside pneumonia, and is currently in the hospital. Her prognosis is unknown, at the moment.

Despite my youth, I'm at a higher risk with covid-19. I mask up anywhere I go, sanatize frequently, and try to keep my distance from others. The only place this isn't possible was at school. The chairs in classrooms were supposed to be six feet apart, but, in reality, most were four feet apart, and masks were not mandatory in the classrooms. Plus, it's impossible to socially distance in a professor's office. I was on guard at all times and will continue to be in the spring.

[Glennsallnighter]

Dreamer - I'm so sorry to her your family has more problems with Covid. Unfortunately you only seem to need one Asymptomatic sufferer at an event to infect a whole body of people, who in turn go on to infect others before becoming aware of their own infection.

Soda I'm glad you tested negative. I hope you have a lovely Christmas with your parents. I hope they are well. Send on my regards to them.

AG at least if YOU are wearing your mask you have a line of defence. I cannot understand why masks are not mandatory in your college.

Here travel restrictions are still in place so very few people will travel into or out of Ireland for Christmas this year (To get a perspective, Ireland would be much smaller than the majority if not all of the US states. Population is about 5million.). At present we are still not even allowed out of our counties (of which there are 32 on the island). They will relax that on Friday for 2 weeks but have said they only want people to travel straight to family - no stopping for food on the way for instance, and to stay with family as opposed to travelling and socialising when they arrive. We can have guests from 2 other households on Christmas day but thats it.
It doesn't really effect me much since my parents are dead now and I only have one brother and one sister, neither of them married or with kids. My husband's only brother tends to go to his wifes family at Christmas and they visit us later in the season. So I will be catering for just 6 on Christmas day.

I will be just happy to have the schools closed and the kids home safe for Christmas - I think for a group of 450 teenagers and 50 staff we have done very well to keep covid at bay for the most part in our school. Hopefully by the time we resume on January 6th we will be looking at the vaccine being within our reach.

So it will be a quiet one for us this year, but necessary in order to keep safe.

[AlreadyGone95]

AG at least if YOU are wearing your mask you have a line of defence. I cannot understand why masks are not mandatory in your college.

Here travel restrictions are still in place so very few people will travel into or out of Ireland for Christmas this year (To get a perspective, Ireland would be much smaller than the majority if not all of the US states. Population is about 5million.). At present we are still not even allowed out of our counties (of which there are 32 on the island). They will relax that on Friday for 2 weeks but have said they only want people to travel straight to family - no stopping for food on the way for instance, and to stay with family as opposed to travelling and socialising when they arrive. We can have guests from 2 other households on Christmas day but thats it.
It doesn't really effect me much since my parents are dead now and I only have one brother and one sister, neither of them married or with kids. My husband's only brother tends to go to his wifes family at Christmas and they visit us later in the season. So I will be catering for just 6 on Christmas day.

I will be just happy to have the schools closed and the kids home safe for Christmas - I think for a group of 450 teenagers and 50 staff we have done very well to keep covid at bay for the most part in our school. Hopefully by the time we resume on January 6th we will be looking at the vaccine being within our reach.

So it will be a quiet one for us this year, but necessary in order to keep safe.

Masks are mandatory in certain parts of the college where "social distancing is not possible"- such in professors' offices, library, dining hall etc. In the classroom, chairs (we have mostly long desks with 3-4 chairs each, normally), are supposed to meet social distancing guidelines (six feet or just shy of 2 meters). They don't, in reality (side to side, we're about 4 feet apart and front to back, about 3 feet), but since the school claims they do, masks are not mandated. I'd guess about 80% of students do wear masks in classrooms. Another thing that helped was that some classes were made hybrid (one physical class a week and an online component). With 5 campuses and 4,000+ students, student covid-19 cases numbered less than 200 between August and November. Because of the pandemic, though, 3 of the campuses are permanently closing.

Also, I live in Georgia. We only "shut down" for 4 weeks, and were the first state to reopen. Governor Kemp will never mandate masks or require any more restrictions. Restaurants are open, as are all other businesses. Stores have mandated masks, but few enforce them.

County restrictions wouldn't work here. While I could possibly survive on the 2 small grocery stores and the Family Dollar and Dollar General stores, I'd have to budget much more tightly because of how expensive things are locally. Add in to that very limited choices, and the fact that both grocery stores are further away from me than the Walmart I usually go to. Plus, my doctors and physical therapy are in a neighboring a county. I also travel through 3 counties to get to one college campus and through 4 counties to get to the main campus (I commute, and in the spring, will make the first drive once a week and the other one twice a week. There's no way my college will go back to online only).State lockdowns would be the most likely to work, but that'll never happen.

It's just a waiting game here for the vaccine. I'm not traveling anywhere until the college reopens on January 4th (the exception being to the city for therapy and groceries). My area was one of the hardest hit back in March and April. If you ever saw a story on the news about Albany, Georgia back then, that's the city I go to for everything (except college).

I just hope that the dreary and bleak predictions about how bad it's going to get before the vaccine becomes readily available, don't come true.

Ireland and most other nations seem to be attempting to curtail the virus. It seems the U.S. is content to just let it spread, or at least certain areas are.

[KingWalsh]

Well, at work, I am scheduled to get first dose of vaccine on the 29th. I’m nervous :fear: but think it’s the right thing to do......

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Good luck to you, KW. Most folks that have received the vaccine so far seem to be tolerating it well. I will sure be in line to get it as soon as I can.

[New Kid In Town]

Well, at work, I am scheduled to get first dose of vaccine on the 29th. I’m nervous :fear: but think it’s the right thing to do......

Good luck KW ! In MHO you are doing the right thing. I am so happy and grateful that we finally have a vaccine and our front line works can finally be protected. I will also be in line when we are able to get it.

[Elle81]

Well, at work, I am scheduled to get first dose of vaccine on the 29th. I’m nervous :fear: but think it’s the right thing to do......
Good Luck! I know this won't completely eradicate it, but I am hoping it slows the spread. But this also doesn't mean we can let our guard down. Like Joe says on his radio show, wash your hands, wear a mask, and stand six feet from yourself. :laugh:

[Glennsallnighter]

Well, at work, I am scheduled to get first dose of vaccine on the 29th. I’m nervous :fear: but think it’s the right thing to do......

Can't wait to get mine either, but I'm in a low level category so I think it will be a while.

Austin you must be in line to be one of the first to get it? Are you?

Very worrying now is that a faster spreading mutant strain has emerged in Holland and has seeded in London and the East of England. It doesn't cause any worse symptome but is spreading a lot more easily. London and surrounding areas has been placed under immediate lockdown and most European countries are not allowing anyone to travel from the UK into their countries at all. You guys in the States need to monitor this very carefully.

Germany, Netherlands, UK and Denmark are back under lockdown and we expect new restrictions within days after Christmas with restaurants and bars due to close again. Indeed even this week we have been advised to be out as little as possible although its not mandatory. Northern Ireland to go into lockdown again from 26th December.

This vaccine cannot come fast enough!!

[KingWalsh]

Can't wait to get mine either, but I'm in a low level category so I think it will be a while.

Austin you must be in line to be one of the first to get it? Are you?

Very worrying now is that a faster spreading mutant strain has emerged in Holland and has seeded in London and the East of England. It doesn't cause any worse symptome but is spreading a lot more easily. London and surrounding areas has been placed under immediate lockdown and most European countries are not allowing anyone to travel from the UK into their countries at all. You guys in the States need to monitor this very carefully.

Germany, Netherlands, UK and Denmark are back under lockdown and we expect new restrictions within days after Christmas with restaurants and bars due to close again. Indeed even this week we have been advised to be out as little as possible although its not mandatory. Northern Ireland to go into lockdown again from 26th December.

This vaccine cannot come fast enough!!


I am concerned too about the mutant strain as well. They say it is mutating at a pace not seen before. Concerning with the rapid spread isn’t people wearing masks more than ever? Or are people still gathering in private and not adhering to rules? My kids are back to being home until Jan 8, to avoid anyone spreading COVID via family gatherings.

thanks everyone for wishing me luck. I’ll keep you posted.....

Everyone stay safe don’t slack, wishing the best to all, stay safe GA....

[Scamp]

Here in California it is spreading real fast. They said the've traced outbreaks to some markets, banks and stores. What is worse to me is when people have tested positive or know they have been exposed, don't take any precaution such as wearing a mask or self quarantining. They just keep going out spreading it. I worry about my nephew who is an interstate truck driver. He wears a mask when out of his truck but still it's scary in a way.
California is about to be the epicenter in the US. Not something we want. But still we allow Air B&B to operate and they have people from all over coming into our neighborhoods yet we are supposed to stay home.
Told my brother yesterday maybe we should try for June 25 for Christmas.
We're supposed to be getting more vaccine delivered. First responders and essential workers first, then nursing homes and seniors and at risk people. They already have people trying to buy a better place in line, so to speak. They had a doctor on tv yesterday talking about it. He's been contacted by movie people, CEO's and anyone who has money to try to buy vaccine for their selves and families.
Just stay safe everyone. Take responsibility for your own and your family's safety because many others just don't care.
Wishing Everyone Peace, Health and Happiness. What ever Holiday you celebrate have a Good One.

[Elle81]

my sister in Sacramento, tells me the other day that her live-in boyfriend's daughter (who is also living with my sister and my 63 year old aunt), tested positive and so they pumped her full of cold and flu medicine and bam! the symptoms were completely gone. So now my sister is convinced that the virus is nothing but a cold and they are totally letting their guard down. I'm scared for my aunt's life, because not only is she older, but she has a compromised immune system. I'm hoping she can somehow go and get the vaccine when they start giving them out.

meanwhile in mormonland, the covid deaths aren't as bad, but the infection rates are really bad. But because less people are dying, the Salt Lake City public seems to think that it's ok to walk around without a mask and cough without covering their mouths. Little kids are licking metro train windows and some people sneeze and then grab the handrails on the trains and buses. I feel like I'm in an episode of The Twilight Zone. :depressed:

[UndertheWire]

I've been feeling rather gloomy over the last few days. France closing its UK border to freight is scary because the UK is not self-sufficient in food, medicines and such. We have been told that it is only "accompanied" freight that it disrupted (ie in lorries with drivers) and that 80% of supplies are unaccompanied (I assume in containers) so not to worry, but I feel bad for all those drivers who are trying to get home from Christmas on both sides of the channel. It's also only 9 days to the end of the Brexit transition period and there is still no trade agreement.

There's also a feeling of frustration. My family has effectively been in voluntary lockdown since March and we have limited exposure to risks, but I worry about the rest of the population who aren't able to do this. Even people who are wearing masks and taking reasonable precautions may have children attending school. In the local High Street, people wear masks at least while they are in shops but I also noticed that in the barbershop, the barbers removed their masks when they had no customers. One concern is the recent changes to what is allowed over Christmas. At 4pm on Saturday, new restrictions were announced for London that would take effect at midnight. While some people cancelled their plans, a lot of people brought forward their travel arrangements and fled London, resulting in crowds at railway stations and on trains and potentially spreading this new strain around the country. Two of my son's friends left London in this way (and I hope he doesn't intend to meet up with them, even outside).

The vaccines can't come fast enough. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is being given at the local hospital and one medical centre in our city but supplies are limited. I'm hoping the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine gets authorised soon because a) there is a lot of it ready to go, b) it's storage requirements mean it can be distributed and given easily, c) there is manufacturing capability in the UK.

I'm also puzzled by how high the numbers are in the UK despite restrictions and what seems to be a good level of compliance. Masks have not been politicised, we have universal health care and those complaining of infringement of personal liberties seem to be a very small minority. Yet rates (per 100,000 population) are similar to the US. How?

[New Kid In Town]

Hi UTW - I was shocked when I heard about this. I just hear on the news this morning from a doctor that he suspects the new strain is already here. Flights from overseas have been coming in non stop since this past summer. I saw in my local newspaper the other day that something like 70% of people contacted in NJ refused to cooperate with contact tracers. Most are between 18 to 30 somethings. They refuse to give names as to who they have visited.
UTW - I would guess that people have not been compliant as they say they are, which could acount for the high rate of transmission. Also, most of your schools are open which could expose more people to the virus. We here in the US are seeing the post-thanksgiving surge now and I suspect the same thing will happen in a few weeks after Christmas/New Years. Just MHO, butt people are tired of all the regulations and don't seem to be as careful as in the Spring. The vaccine can't come soon enough.

[AlreadyGone95]

I've been feeling rather gloomy over the last few days. France closing its UK border to freight is scary because the UK is not self-sufficient in food, medicines and such. We have been told that it is only "accompanied" freight that it disrupted (ie in lorries with drivers) and that 80% of supplies are unaccompanied (I assume in containers) so not to worry, but I feel bad for all those drivers who are trying to get home from Christmas on both sides of the channel. It's also only 9 days to the end of the Brexit transition period and there is still no trade agreement.

There's also a feeling of frustration. My family has effectively been in voluntary lockdown since March and we have limited exposure to risks, but I worry about the rest of the population who aren't able to do this. Even people who are wearing masks and taking reasonable precautions may have children attending school. In the local High Street, people wear masks at least while they are in shops but I also noticed that in the barbershop, the barbers removed their masks when they had no customers. One concern is the recent changes to what is allowed over Christmas. At 4pm on Saturday, new restrictions were announced for London that would take effect at midnight. While some people cancelled their plans, a lot of people brought forward their travel arrangements and fled London, resulting in crowds at railway stations and on trains and potentially spreading this new strain around the country. Two of my son's friends left London in this way (and I hope he doesn't intend to meet up with them, even outside).

The vaccines can't come fast enough. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is being given at the local hospital and one medical centre in our city but supplies are limited. I'm hoping the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine gets authorised soon because a) there is a lot of it ready to go, b) it's storage requirements mean it can be distributed and given easily, c) there is manufacturing capability in the UK.

I'm also puzzled by how high the numbers are in the UK despite restrictions and what seems to be a good level of compliance. Masks have not been politicised, we have universal health care and those complaining of infringement of personal liberties seem to be a very small minority. Yet rates (per 100,000 population) are similar to the US. How?

Slightly OT here, but do you think there's any chance of another 11th hour reprieve from a full-on hard Brexit, or have the EU officials had enough? I know that Covid-19 did impact negotiations back in March-June, so I thought that might provide a justified reason for another extension. I did my capstone on the failure of Brexit negotiations, and will be attempting to find a deeper reason behind it than just "trading" issues for an upcoming conference paper.

As to your question about per capita rates, the only thing that I can think of is that the UK is more densely populated than the U.S. Plus, public transportation is the norm for y'all, so that probably increases the possibility of transmission. Regardless, I hope that the new strain either dies out or is preventable by the vaccines.

[Glennsallnighter]

Never say Never AG but I think the EU have had enough. This has dragged on nearly 5 years now and has taken countless hours of negotiation. To be honest of the British public had been fully aware of ALL the trade implications of Brexit a few more might have voted 'remain' rather than 'leave'.

It seems to be that the only way this virus can be halted until the vaccine arrives is to literally remain at home. Elle, I'm shocked to read about the careless way some people are treating public health advice. I know when my husband tested positive with no symptoms and then I subsequently did we had to remain in a separate room on our own for 2 weeks. Our daughter who is 19 had to remain home from work and restrict movements for 2 weeks and our son had to miss 2 weeks of school even though they were quite well. He would have been sent home and we would have been sacked if we had knowingly come into work during this time.

We will be going back to level 5 (strictest) with a few concessions from St Stephens Day *day after Christmas*. Once again the restuarants will be closed as well as a host of other amenities. They are looking very carefully at whether to open schools as planned on 6th January. We finished up today! Church services are going to be very limited over the Christmas period so I imagine like Sundays and Easter we will be accessing them online for Christmas too.

Please stay safe everyone. It os NOT worth putting yourself or others in danger just to prove a point.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

This is going to be a depressing holiday season for sure. After almost a year of dealing with this, we are worse off now than ever, and it's bound to get even worse in the coming weeks. Like many, I am very tired of staying at home, while many others just escalate the situation by ignoring all safety precautions. But, it is obvious at this point that we have to accept that some people are just not going to heed the warnings. I am so in hopes that the vaccines will be effective in getting this virus under control so all of our lives can return to some sense of normalcy. But, sadly, it will possibly take decades before we fully recover from this.

[sodascouts]

I'm just glad we finally have a vaccine coming.

I heard about the new strain in the UK. Scary!

Here in Houston, I see reduced capacity at restaurants and shops, but pretty much everything is still open... unless it has gone out of business, like several of the places I used to go to when I lived here. My favorite nail shop, several clothes shops, and several restaurants I used to frequent are gone.

The main difference I see from my trip here in June is that finally, everyone is wearing masks... except in church.

[UndertheWire]

I'll keep this brief because it's OT and also offer my apologies to everyone else.

AG, there can be no further extension for Brexit as it would be unlawful. Earlier this year, our parliament passed a law preventing any further extensions. In theory this could be overturned by another vote in parliament but parliament won't be sitting again until January, after the end of the transition period. The Prime Minister is also under pressure from the most right-wing, anti-EU faction to no give in to EU demands in order to get a deal. It's a mess. (I neither voted for Brexit nor the current government but I have to accept the majority decision)

[Elle81]

I'm more saddened by my sister's attitude over the virus than anything else. She's the older one, but I'm the one with the brains. I want to shake the stupid out of her. Just because some of her friends supposedly had and recovered from the virus, she thinks its not that bad. I keep telling her that you need to act like it's bad. This doesn't mean you can walk around without your mask! Ugh, she hurts my head sometimes.

Soda, that's scary to think that people don't wear masks in church. That's how one of the counties here in Utah got a really bad outbreak this past September. One mormon church, with a ward (congregation) of at least 200 people were all infected at the same time. And since it was a Stake center, which is like a main building for three or more individual wards to gather together, they ran the risk of infecting a massive number of people. And they don't care, they either believe it's a fake virus created by the liberal news media, or they think all they have to do is pray the illness away. It just straight up baffles me.

[WalshFan88]

Soda - that is probably very safe to do. I'd worry more about the travel to and from than being with them if you've all been staying home and you're negative. I would not get on an airplane or train right now unless I absolutely had to for an emergent reason and even then I would be taking every alternative to doing so. Especially planes with their recirculating air. That's just an incubator for things like COVID. I'd be a basket case. I'm not even a germaphobe but with COVID you can bet I'm taking it 120 percent serious.

GA - I've been told I'm at the front of the line just behind health care workers and the elderly 70+ crowd. So basically I'm just waiting for the go ahead. I go see my Endocrinologist in January who is my main provider and deals with the chronic conditions that put me on the fast track. I trust him. If he says to do it, you can bet I cannot roll my sleeve up fast enough. I'm going to ask him if he has a preference on Pfizer vs Moderna. It's possible they can do it then. I don't have any allergies to medications or foods that would make it risky. My only allergies are seasonal related and dust mites. I'll certainly hang around the clinic for at least 15-20 minutes after even if they don't make me just to make sure I have epinephrine shall I need it. I've had anaphylactic shock happen during a routine allergy shot here at home. It was an event that brought me the closest to death I've been. I'm certainly respectful of anaphylaxis and it's severity, but I'm not worried about that kind of reaction to the COVID shot. It is a new mRNA technology, but I've seen nothing to suggest it's in relation to getting shots for dust mites and getting a shot that was a little too high of a allergen dose. Still, I'm deferring to my main doc.

Elle - this year has been so disappointing for me with the state of humanity. As if the last 4 years haven't been divided enough, now this deadly pandemic has been politicized and weaponized by someone who has a scary amount of power and mind control over a lot of people. They follow "him" and the conspiracy theorists, not the science. There's nothing you can do, and sometimes it's better to just walk away and keep your distance if you know they aren't following protocol. I'm tired of reading about people being totally ok with putting the people in my "class" up as trade bait for "freedom" be it no masks or no social distancing. I've never seen so much callousness and selfishness. I've lost "friends" that I thought gave a damn. I've read comments posted publicly by people I'll never meet that make me feel broken. Some would say it's me that's the problem for feeling that way or that I shouldn't be upset and that I'm weak, sheeple, whatever. To me that just affirms I'm making the right decision by cutting those ties and "unfriending" people both online and IRL. I just hope after January 20th we will get a leadership in my country (USA) that actually can right this ship. It will take considerable time to recover not only from COVID but from the division, hurt, damage, etc. Some will never change. But I'm hoping that the people who were encouraged to come out of hiding and that were given a platform to spew hate and feel emboldened will find themselves heading back into the closet where they frankly belong. The rest of us will keep each other in line and try to be better people. Care for their fellow man. Wear masks when there is a pandemic. Care for the disabled and elderly. Not be racist or homophobic. Not be bigots, domestic terrorists, or supremacists. To see a narcissist for who they are and not be fooled by someone who tries to make you think they are your saving grace when in fact you'd be the first type of people they would walk over. That kind of thing. I know everyone here is one of the caring people. But I've seen so many of the bad side it can't be swept under the rug. I've seen people use screen names to say things online they would never say in person or be associated with. But I've now seen people on Facebook with their real names and pictures share vitriol that I still think they wouldn't say in person, but have lost their subtlety and are showing themselves as who they really are and how they think. Some are boastful about it. No shame. No self dignity. No fear of being called out on it. And I've heard of people doing the same in person. It's just all so bleak.

Dreamer - absolutely. The holidays are rough enough as it is and this just makes it all the worse. Mental health is so important and it is so easy to be anxious or depressed right now. I agree that I'm afraid that COVID will get worse before it gets better. I hope 2021 and the new US administration means things will start turning up but even with that, this will take time. Time for the vaccines to get out to all people who will take them (as IMO everyone should. If the vaccines are proven safe, then the whole Q type conspiracies need to end.). Time for things to flatten the curve and start progress.

[WalshFan88]

As a family, our family has decided to hold a virtual Christmas as we did with Thanksgiving.

I'll be here with my folks, but we will do a Christmas gift/card swap in a parking lot with masks on and a quick change over on Christmas Eve. Then on Christmas Day we will log into a video call and open the gifts. Everyone will have their own food to eat and we can chat and then everyone can go on about their day. I sincerely hope we don't have to do this again in 2021, but if we need to we will. We want to be on the right side of history. And we want everyone vulnerable or not to be safe and healthy and out of the hospital.

[Glennsallnighter]

I hope your gift exchange and dinner worked well Austin. Our Christmas was fairly normal except that we had to get our Chriatmas Mass online instead of in person like we usually do in our son's school. We just had my brother and sister over for lunch. Each of them lives alone and we were not breaking any of the rules.

[KingWalsh]

Well hello gang! I literally just got the vaccine. While I was waiting, Dreams by FM was playing and I kid you not when I got mine “Already Gone” was playing. Love it. They haven’t played a song since. Dang just for me how sweet!!! I have to stay in observation for 15 min. Then free to go. It was painless. I got the Moderna one. Go back in 28 days for second shot. Wish me luck. Hopefully light at the end of this dark dank tunnel.

[CAinOH]

Well hello gang! I literally just got the vaccine. While I was waiting, Dreams by FM was playing and I kid you not when I got mine “Already Gone” was playing. Love it. They haven’t played a song since. Dang just for me how sweet!!! I have to stay in observation for 15 min. Then free to go. It was painless. I got the Moderna one. Go back in 28 days for second shot. Wish me luck. Hopefully light at the end of this dark dank tunnel.

Congratulations, KW! (Yes, I owe you a package!)

My husband is in the first wave of "citizens" (non-first-responders) qualified to get the vaccine. He's definitely going for it. I have to wait for a while, but that's okay. We're social-distancing (have been for years) and everyone is careful at work.

I did go to my brother's house for Christmas breakfast. Considering I work with 5 of the 8 other people there, I figured I would be okay. My sister-in-law did lose her Dad to COVID, so sad. They're not even sure where he picked it up. Retired deputy sheriff, but John had an existing heart problem (as did my uncle who died). My aunt is out of the hospital and in a rehab center (where friends of the family work). She was not expected to survive.

[WalshFan88]

I hope your gift exchange and dinner worked well Austin. Our Christmas was fairly normal except that we had to get our Chriatmas Mass online instead of in person like we usually do in our son's school. We just had my brother and sister over for lunch. Each of them lives alone and we were not breaking any of the rules.

It did go well! Thank you. :)

That's probably very safe, GA. I think people have to make the choices. I'm honestly more concerned about the traveling, especially with airplanes/trains or huge gatherings of people who don't all know each other and the status of those people. 10+ is a little reckless IMO. When you throw in friends of the family and lots of in laws, well, that's a problem IMO. But ultimately people will have to make the choice and potentially have to live with the repercussions should there (hopefully not) be any of making said choice.

IMO air travel should be emergency only until this virus gets under control. An airplane is just an incubator for communicable diseases, with the recirculated air and all. Not to mention the packed airports where everyone is packed together like sardines and everyone is sitting shoulder to shoulder. It's just so wrong IMO and very irresponsible, and I put that on the the airlines and airports, for that matter. They should be doing more to limit air travel to "I have to get to see XYZ due to an emergency right now" and certainly block off more seating to where there is massive spaces and severly limit the capacity of the planes. It's the right thing to do. Will they do it, no. A case of money vs morals.

I worry about the next wave from the flights and train rides over the holidays and the mass gatherings and functions.

[WalshFan88]

Well hello gang! I literally just got the vaccine. While I was waiting, Dreams by FM was playing and I kid you not when I got mine “Already Gone” was playing. Love it. They haven’t played a song since. Dang just for me how sweet!!! I have to stay in observation for 15 min. Then free to go. It was painless. I got the Moderna one. Go back in 28 days for second shot. Wish me luck. Hopefully light at the end of this dark dank tunnel.

Awesome!

I can't wait to take mine and have some peace of mind.

[WalshFan88]

Congratulations, KW! (Yes, I owe you a package!)

My husband is in the first wave of "citizens" (non-first-responders) qualified to get the vaccine. He's definitely going for it. I have to wait for a while, but that's okay. We're social-distancing (have been for years) and everyone is careful at work.

I did go to my brother's house for Christmas breakfast. Considering I work with 5 of the 8 other people there, I figured I would be okay. My sister-in-law did lose her Dad to COVID, so sad. They're not even sure where he picked it up. Retired deputy sheriff, but John had an existing heart problem (as did my uncle who died). My aunt is out of the hospital and in a rehab center (where friends of the family work). She was not expected to survive.

So sorry to hear of your family's loss, CA. I'm glad your aunt is doing better and that your husband got the vaccine.

[FreyFollower]

CA, I'm so sorry for the toll that Covid has taken on your family. What a terrible year this has been. I'm glad your aunt is recovering. God bless you all with health and healing.

[KingWalsh]

So sorry CA to hear of COVID’s grasp on your family. Sending hugs and prayers. I had no adverse reactions to vaccine. Work is extremely busy and we are understaffed. Very stressful. Hoping all is well border friends Stay safe.

[Glennsallnighter]

Ireland gone on full lockdown from tonight ..... again!!

[FreyFollower]

Our newly-elected Congressman was to be sworn in on Jan. 3rd. Only 41 years old, he passed away just 11 days into a Covid19 diagnosis. Doctors made a point of saying that he had no underlying conditions, and this was strictly due to complications of the virus. This has received a lot of media attention, and I hope some eyes will be opened.

[UndertheWire]

Our newly-elected Congressman was to be sworn in on Jan. 3rd. Only 41 years old, he passed away just 11 days into a Covid19 diagnosis. Doctors made a point of saying that he had no underlying conditions, and this was strictly due to complications of the virus. This has received a lot of media attention, and I hope some eyes will be opened.
Yes, that was even reported in the UK. I was quite shocked because he looked so young and healthy in the accompanying photo. It is a good reminder that even if your risk of being seriously ill or dying is low, the risk is still there.

KingWalsh, congratulations on receiving your vaccination. With the Moderna vaccine, don't you have good protection from around day 10 of the first dose? That must be very reassuring.

With vaccines likely to be in short supply for many months, my policy would be to identify people who fail to wear masks and social distance and give them the lowest priority, starting with politicians and other public figures who continue to fight mask mandates and support conspiracy theories that it's all a hoax. Of course, those are the people who are more likely to contract the virus but that would be price of their "personal liberty".

In the UK, it's good news that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved and it can easily be taken out to care homes and also given at GP surgeries and pharmacies and also that there should be good supplies. I'm watching to see how quickly the number of vaccinations will increase because it will need to more than two million doses a week to meet the target of vaccinating everyone over 50 by late spring. I think the current rate is only around 100,000/week.

[KingWalsh]

UTW, 10 days after first dose....I read that regarding Pfizer, but I am unsure. It wasn’t in the paperwork they gave me. But as I said I had no side effects and I am so looking forward to the future, although numbers still not good in CT.

FF I saw that regarding politician. So sad, it’s scary and sure doesn’t discriminate. I agree maybe the neysayers will finally wake up.

everyone stay vigilant. Stay safe.

[Scamp]

Hi All
I'm on the 1C list as they are calling it here in California. Can't come soon enough for me. I know some including first responders and hospital workers who are refusing it. Here in SoCal we're a hot bed as they called it. They say that LA County can expect 1000 deaths per week. Wow.
Here in Orange County we're a little better.
It gets confusing with all the restrictions the Gov. has put out.We're supposed to stay home as much as we can and not go out of our county if possible. But AirB&B can still rent out with no restrictions and bring who ever they want into our neighborhoods. We still have people protesting masks but stores say if they can't wear a mask they have to have a shield. A group of them pushed their way into a market a couple weeks ago. If I was there I be ticked. Maybe not so much that they weren't wearing a mask but the pushed ahead of those waiting to get in and made it so no one could get in till the police got there. I stay in my neighborhood, have to walk the dog, and in my house. Everything is delivered. What gets me is you hear how they are taking care of the seniors but they're not. The food banks lines are all young people, a lot of seniors don't drive and some don't even have computers or cell phones. There is no free home delivery from food banks for them and they need it the most. Our meals on wheels had a 2 year wait list before all this happened.
In LA Co. every 6 seconds someone comes down with covid19. The hospitals are running out of oxygens and beds. Ambulance are told to not bring people to the er that have no chance of surviving. Sometimes people have to wait in ambulances for 8 hours before they can get into the hospital.
I hope everyone is staying safe, remember no matter what people say, it is up to you to take care of yourself. Wear a mask, wash your hands and stay 6 or more feet away from others. We all need to be around for the first Eagle concert when ever it will be.

[FreyFollower]

Hi All
I'm on the 1C list as they are calling it here in California. Can't come soon enough for me. I know some including first responders and hospital workers who are refusing it. Here in SoCal we're a hot bed as they called it. They say that LA County can expect 1000 deaths per week. Wow.
Here in Orange County we're a little better.
It gets confusing with all the restrictions the Gov. has put out.We're supposed to stay home as much as we can and not go out of our county if possible. But AirB&B can still rent out with no restrictions and bring who ever they want into our neighborhoods. We still have people protesting masks but stores say if they can't wear a mask they have to have a shield. A group of them pushed their way into a market a couple weeks ago. If I was there I be ticked. Maybe not so much that they weren't wearing a mask but the pushed ahead of those waiting to get in and made it so no one could get in till the police got there. I stay in my neighborhood, have to walk the dog, and in my house. Everything is delivered. What gets me is you hear how they are taking care of the seniors but they're not. The food banks lines are all young people, a lot of seniors don't drive and some don't even have computers or cell phones. There is no free home delivery from food banks for them and they need it the most. Our meals on wheels had a 2 year wait list before all this happened.
In LA Co. every 6 seconds someone comes down with covid19. The hospitals are running out of oxygens and beds. Ambulance are told to not bring people to the er that have no chance of surviving. Sometimes people have to wait in ambulances for 8 hours before they can get into the hospital.
I hope everyone is staying safe, remember no matter what people say, it is up to you to take care of yourself. Wear a mask, wash your hands and stay 6 or more feet away from others. We all need to be around for the first Eagle concert when ever it will be.

Hope you can get the vaccine soon, Scamp. Those California statistics are frightening. I agree that a lot of efforts to help folks have missed the mark regarding seniors. For seniors with no transportation or the stamina to wait in long lines; especially those in remote rural areas, the outlook is bleak indeed. :worried:

[AlreadyGone95]

Well, my college has moved the start of spring semester back from January 19th to the 25th. We're still going to have in person classes, though. It's hoped that extra week will allow local numbers to drop once we are a few weeks removed from the holidays.

[UndertheWire]

We have been back in lockdown since Tuesday. I'm glad because last weekend, I realised I was becoming anxious again. I could see the trends of infections, hospital admissions and deaths and so far the only effective ways of reducing these have been lockdowns and summer. It still means we have at least another week before we might see any effect. I suspect that things are worse than we are being told. There is anecdotal evidence that the people being admitted to hospital are younger and sicker than in the first wave, often with no underlying conditions. This new variant emerged in the south east of England, but it seems to be spreading quickly across the country.

Where I live, the case rates have doubled in the last week with a rate of 356 per 100,000 for the week to 4th January and we are well below the national average. A recent survey suggested that in the UK as a whole, 1 in 50 currently has the virus and in London, it's as high as 1 in 30. What's scary is those numbers are for the week to 2nd January so today, the rates are likely to be much higher. (These numbers come from randomised sampling of the population by our national statistics body).

I know two people who have been vaccinated, both health care workers in London. Vaccinations have started locally. The current plan is to have given the first dose to everyone over 70, healthcare workers and those who are extremely clinically vulnerable by mid-February. After that, it's those aged 65-70, and then the biggest group (which includes me) of those aged 16-64 with underlying medical conditions which makes them more vulnerable to serious illness with Covid.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

It looks like here in the U.S. we have dug ourselves a hole so deep that it will take months before we begin to see any decline in the number of cases. I remember in the fall I was thinking that we may have the spread somewhat contained and a lot of our population vaccinated by spring, but that is very doubtful at this point. I hold out hope that the new incoming administration will have the federal government much more involved in trying to get this thing under control.:pray:

[Glennsallnighter]

The figures of ill and deceased people seems to be rising exponentially all over the world. We relaxed restrictions for December and are now paying the price with infected figures skyrocketing and deaths on the increase too sadly. We have locked down again at the highest level and the schools are once again closed with us delivering the curriculum remotely. The weather is not as good as it was last time it happened, but I suppose the days will start to get longer soon. The restrictions will be reviewed on 1st February.
The vaccine of course is here but as expected the elderly, the ill and the healthcare workers are being prioritised as is only right. Hopefully it will bring a halt to the progress of the disease. At least the lockdown means that people's contacts are right down to their immediate househplds now.

[WalshFan88]

We have to do better in the US in regards to vaccine distribution, buying enough doses for both initial and booster shots, and killing any and all myths perpetuated by cult-like conspiracy groups that are putting people in danger and getting everyone vaccinated. While I do still believe it's a personal choice - I do strongly feel that if you decide to not take the shot, it wasn't because someone or some group told you there was a 5G microchip in it or that somehow Bill Gates is "hell bent for leather" on making us all sick.

I think the new strain complicates things tremendously. However, I do believe the vaccines are showing good coverage with the new strain. The problem is - for those unvaccinated, this new strain seems to be far more communicable than the first COVID-19 virus. It's not any worse in terms of symptomatology or treating it, but it's far easier to catch and far easier to pass on. Exactly what we didn't need right now trying to get this contained! We know we can't count on everyone to do the right thing, so we just need vaccinations and enforcements on public events to try to contain this. I'm confident that the new administration that starts next Wednesday will be able to "right" this ship soon.

My mother, being considered a frontline/essential worker at a school, got her first Moderna vaccine last week and gets her booster in 3 weeks. She said the health department told her I would be next on the list to get it behind the essential workers and 65+ crowd. So when the next phase is rolled out, I should be able to go and get one from them also and get the booster thereafter. The good news is that my dad is retired and doesn't go anywhere. And with mom getting this shot, she shouldn't be able to bring it home to me, who wouldn't fare so well. She's very careful and keeps a routine for changing clothes as soon as she comes home and taking a shower and watching for symptoms. I'll feel better after she gets her booster shot but with the rest of us not going anywhere that isn't essential like appointments, etc I'm hoping that we can continue to stay COVID-free. I had to make another trip to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis for another MRI last week, and so far I have no symptoms. I wore an N95 and bathed in Purell before and after.

[Glennsallnighter]

We have to do better in the US in regards to vaccine distribution, buying enough doses for both initial and booster shots, and killing any and all myths perpetuated by cult-like conspiracy groups that are putting people in danger and getting everyone vaccinated. While I do still believe it's a personal choice - I do strongly feel that if you decide to not take the shot, it wasn't because someone or some group told you there was a 5G microchip in it or that somehow Bill Gates is "hell bent for leather" on making us all sick.


Agree on all counts there Austin. The major problem is that there is a worldwide shortage of the vaccine so every country has to wait its turn while it is being rationed out.

[KingWalsh]

Well I had my second dose of Moderna Friday morning. I Never have had any reactions to a vaccine prior, so I didn't hesitate to get it even though I was scheduled to work 3 nights in a row afterwards:fainted:. Well, friday, I just felt really tired (but I worked night before nothing new)t, but nothing crazy until about 9 that night I got joint pain, back pain, headache and nausea (Never actually threw up though), and felt so cold. I still went to work, and suffered throughout my shift. It was horrible! I slept all day Saturday, and by evening symptoms weakened, I called out this time, and now Sunday i still feel tired and in a fog, but all other symptoms are gone.

They say that shows immune response and I know it's a good thing but it was so yucky. Several other co-workers complained of similar things, yet others said just tired and a sore arm. So who knows. As they say, everyone is different.

I just wanted to let you guys know to be prepared just in case you might experience what I did. Don't schedule it when you have to work next day or two if possible to be safe. Have ibuprofen or Tylenol on hand and rest. Good luck!

[Glennsallnighter]

Thanks for the heads up KW! I'm glad you are feeling better. I felt a bit fluey for a day after the swine flu vax 10 years ago. I think we are going to be given the astrazenaca vaccine.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Thanks from me too, KW. I am struggling to get any information about getting the vaccine. I signed up about 3 weeks ago with my county health department to get on the list to make an appointment. At the time, I was told I would get an email in about a week. I've heard nothing, and there are no updates on the website. Finally, after a week of trying to get through to our COVID hotline, I got through today. But, it was useless - they still did not tell me anything other than I will get an email when I am able to make an appointment - but, they couldn't even give me an idea of how long it will be.

VERY FRUSTRATING! Hopefully, they will have this worked out within the next few weeks.

[New Kid In Town]

Thanks from me too, KW. I am struggling to get any information about getting the vaccine. I signed up about 3 weeks ago with my county health department to get on the list to make an appointment. At the time, I was told I would get an email in about a week. I've heard nothing, and there are no updates on the website. Finally, after a week of trying to get through to our COVID hotline, I got through today. But, it was useless - they still did not tell me anything other than I will get an email when I am able to make an appointment - but, they couldn't even give me an idea of how long it will be.

VERY FRUSTRATING! Hopefully, they will have this worked out within the next few weeks.

Dreamer - Same here. I got an email saying I was registered but there are no vaccines available. I was told they will email me when a vaccine is available. I also registered at a second site which said the same thing. Thank God Pres. Biden signed an Executive Order to put the Defense Act in Place. That should help speed up the manf. of the vaccine.

KW - My nephew's wife works in a hospital and is a Therapist and, she pretty much had the same reaction as you to her second dose. She had the reaction about 12 hours after the dose. It lasted for about a day and she has been fine since then.

[KingWalsh]

NKIT, ya it was about 12 hours reactions started. I am fine now. I am sorry you and Dreamer are having difficulty getting the vaccine. CT is doing well from what I hear, understaffed on the hotline at first, but I think are starting to see supply and demand issues now. Hopefully things will iron out for you all.

[New Kid In Town]

I am registered on four different sites. My GF got an apt. at the Meadowlands, which is an hour away. She is still going. She tried to register her husband right after she got her apt. and was kicked out of the site. They both have pre-ext. conditions.
Dreamer, you are right this is VERY FRUSTRATING! If only it had been done right from the beginning maybe we would not be in this mess. :scowl: :mad:

[MarthaJo56]

Well I had my second dose of Moderna Friday morning. I Never have had any reactions to a vaccine prior, so I didn't hesitate to get it even though I was scheduled to work 3 nights in a row afterwards:fainted:. Well, friday, I just felt really tired (but I worked night before nothing new)t, but nothing crazy until about 9 that night I got joint pain, back pain, headache and nausea (Never actually threw up though), and felt so cold. I still went to work, and suffered throughout my shift. It was horrible! I slept all day Saturday, and by evening symptoms weakened, I called out this time, and now Sunday i still feel tired and in a fog, but all other symptoms are gone.

They say that shows immune response and I know it's a good thing but it was so yucky. Several other co-workers complained of similar things, yet others said just tired and a sore arm. So who knows. As they say, everyone is different.

I just wanted to let you guys know to be prepared just in case you might experience what I did. Don't schedule it when you have to work next day or two if possible to be safe. Have ibuprofen or Tylenol on hand and rest. Good luck!



My Kevin & I get our first vaccine dose tomorrow afternoon!!!:grin::grin: Thanks for the heads-up. I've had what I felt were Covid symptoms but I've been tested no less than 6 times---all negative. Kevin is supposed to work tomorrow night, but I'm guessing he probably won't go in. He's also very anxious when it comes to needles. He passed out once when our son was a baby and got a blood test.
Our city & county slots kept filling up, so I went through the State of California site and was able to get appointments right away. Because we couldn't get an appointment locally in our city & county, we will be driving to Cal-Poly Pomona campus, about a 40 minute drive. It is so worth it!!! Unlike some of my friends that have had problems getting their 2nd dose appointment, I was able to make ours at the same time I made the first.
I'm not anticipating too many bad symptoms. We take pretty good care of ourselves and are rarely sick.,
Since losing my dear friend, Elvia a couple of weeks ago, I am determined to see it all come to an end.

[NightMistBlue]

That’s what I heard from a flight attendant, she said she’s heard from a lot of people who felt ill after their second dose of Moderna.

[Scamp]

I had my first shot of Pfizer Wednesday The lady giving the shot was really good, didn't feel a thing, needle or injection. I have a little redness and some itching at the site. Wed evening I seemed a little tired and a slight headache but it could have just been from being in line turning my head a lot. Slept good wed night Thursday about 10AM I got tired, not sleepy, but like I just ran out of gas. Was tired all day and Friday too.
My 2nd shot is the end of the month, already scheduled. Some have said they had no side affects after the first but after the second, no matter which brand they got. Some have been tired, headache, body ache and even sore arm or shoulder but not lasting more than a day or two. They say you could even have flu like systems for a day.It doesn't seem to matter age or gender. Firefighters have had some of the worse and elderly haven't had any. So I guess it just depends on you.
Overall most everybody has said they would take the side affects over th virus anyway. Standing in line at Disneyland everybody seemed to be in good spirts talking with others keeping distance and I saw one guy go get a wheelchair for an elderly women so she could sit down while waiting and those in line let him back to his spot not yelling like I seen in some places Only thing missing was some music to listen to.
I was in a good mood, first song I heard after driving out of the garage was Funk 49, James Gang then later in the drive, Life of Illusion. While waiting to get out of the parking lot, Rocky Mt Way and almost home Confessor.

[WalshFan88]

My mom got her 2nd Moderna shot yesterday. Yesterday she felt fine, today she has upper body muscle aches, tiredness, and feeling hot and flushed. She has a very mild fever that comes and goes. They say the more side effects you feel, the better it is working because that means your body is producing a strong response immune-wise to the shot.

Unfortunately I have some bad news - my grandpa (mom's dad) has COVID. :( He was supposed to go for the first dose of Pfizer on Monday when he started feeling bad. He got a test that day and got the call Tuesday morning. None of us have been around him, but this is the closest it has got to hitting close to home. He has a history of prostate cancer and a "saddle" pulmonary embolism (meaning a clot that went from one lung and branched over to the other in an upside down U shape). He has low oxygen saturation anyway. I'm really, really concerned and I'm just hoping for him to get well soon. We have told him that he needs to go to the hospital sooner rather than later if things take a turn. The doctors office said they cannot see him or do much, if he needs help it will be time to go to the hospital and get IVs and stuff to try to help him. So tomorrow will be day 7. He said his breathing isn't too bad but he's very weak and feels very run down and lightheaded. He said he mostly lies down to avoid feeling weak or dizzy. We're thankful that his chest isn't too congested and that his 02% is stable.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

OMG Austin - I am so sorry that your grandfather has contracted COVID. I will keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

I am happy for all of you who have been able to get your vaccines. I still have not had any luck getting an appointment. I'll keep on trying this week.

[CAinOH]

Austin, so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I will keep him in my thoughts. Yes, it's very frightening when COVID hits close to home. And I am so glad KW posted about her experience with the second shot of vaccine. Sounds like your Mom had the same reaction.

Please take care, everyone. This is the first place I come every morning to check and see how everyone is doing.

[WalshFan88]

Thank you.

He lives at home with a long-term live-in girlfriend who still works and unfortunately we think she was an asymptomatic carrier. He doesn't get out for COVID fears, but she works at a meat processing plant. I guess the bottom line is that someone had to bring it to him, as he doesn't get out and he's very serious about masks and distancing when he has to. She feels bad about it and is quarantining also. She didn't get tested because she lives with someone with known COVID they didn't want to test her because she wouldn't get out of quarantine anyway. If she came down with symptoms they would just treat her for COVID since it would be quite likely she has it too. So we won't know.

It's a shame just how close he came to getting the Pfizer vaccine when he got it.

He's still doing ok today, and hopefully getting out of that 7th/8th day range gets him out of the red zone so to speak. I'll be glad when he's 14 days out.

Mom feels fine today. She felt fine both the day of and the day after the first Moderna shot. The day of the 2nd Moderna shot she also felt just fine. But the day after the 2nd Moderna, is when the side effects appeared. But today she feels nothing. So one day out of 2 whole shots isn't that big of a deal if it means you don't end up getting COVID.

[sodascouts]

So sorry to hear your grandfather has got it, Austin! I’m keeping him in my prayers.

I’m glad so many others are getting their vaccines. My parents got their second dose last week and suffered nothing worse than a sore arm.

I hope the rest of us are able to get sorted out sooner rather than later. My colleagues who are technically “obese” according to BMI and my colleagues who smoke have been able to sign up for vaccines now, but I am still too healthy, lol. Educators should be up soon.

[UndertheWire]

I hope your grandfather is recovering, Austin. It must be scary for your family.

I've been talking with my brother in German and sister in Canada and they have both decided to be "chill" about the vaccine. My brother thinks his turn will come in May and my sister in August. Both are in their mid-sixties, healthy and able to maintain social distancing so they aren't too worried. I think my turn will come in early April as there are around 10 million people ahead of me but the stated aim is to vaccinate everyone over 50 by May. The UK government is reporting very high take-up of the vaccine in those age-groups offered it so far (93% of care home residents, 91% of those over 80, 95% of aged 75-79 and almost 75% of aged 70-74).

Of course, we're now all worrying about the South African strain and mutations in a local variant that may make vaccines less effective.

I have been reading about the problems with getting a vaccination appointment in the US and it sounds extremely frustrating.

[CAinOH]

Yesterday was the first day my husband was eligible to get the vaccine. He went to sign up and, of course, "No appointments available." He called, sat on the phone for about an hour, but did make it on the back-up list and the cancellation list (if someone cancels, he gets called). The lady he was talking to asked if he could get to the doctor within 15 minutes of a phone call. He replied, "Sure, if you don't let the cops know I'm coming." So, we shall see how long it takes him to get his first dose.

I figure I've got a couple of months before I get mine.

[New Kid In Town]

Austin I am so sorry to hear about your Grandfather. I hope is beginning to feel better. You all are in my prayers.
I have heard that the second dose of the vaccine is the one that gives the various side effects. I hope everyone who wants it can get the vaccine soon.

[Glennsallnighter]

Austin I'm so sorry to hear that your grandad caught the Covid. I hope he can recover fully at home without having to go to hospital.

Soda, great that your parents are now fully vaccinated - I'm sure thats a relief to you all. But lol to the fact that smokers go ahead of you in the vaccine queue. If course I can see the logic but I'm sure you feel like your healthy responsible life choices now put you at a disadvantage!

I can't see us getting the vaccine until at least early summer. But luckily we don't have to book it or anything. The doctors office will inform everyone when it is their turn and I think will allocate us a time slot. I'm wondering as I tested positive in October whether I will or won't have side effects. I will hope to get mine either a Friday or during the holidays if I can.

Our schools are still online at the moment. We have a week off next week for midterm and I think they are hoping to get some classes back after that. Its ironic but I suppose justified that prisoners and people in direct provision will get it ahead of teachers but I a=can understand the viewpoint.

Hang in there everyone. Hopefully soon we will all be vaccinated and the world will start to recover

[KingWalsh]

So sorry Walshfan, hoping the best for grandad. Good luck CA, my dad is getting his soon, my mom had her second dose and had some arm soreness and tiredness otherwise ok (Moderna).

[KingWalsh]

My Dad is having a heck of a time getting an appt. my mom has tried repeatedly through the portal and various others to no avail. I think this age group has a much higher turnout/response making it more challenging.

[LovinGlennGirl]

Hubs and I got our first vaccine this week (Moderna). Lots of arm soreness but is much better this morning.

[AlreadyGone95]

Covid-19 finally hit close to home for me. A childhood friend's grandmother passed away from it a few weeks ago. I'll be so glad when Georgia opens up the vaccine to the under 64 with health problems age group. I'm getting the vaccine as soon as I can.

[UndertheWire]

Austin, I hope your grandad is doing well. I think of him every time I see this thread.

I'm quite excited about vaccinations at the moment. I have been moved back in the queue (studies have shown no increased risk of death from Covid for those with mild-to-moderate asthma) but the queue seems to be moving so quickly that my turn should come within the next few weeks. In my area, the data show that 99% of all those over 70 have now been vaccinated. The only downside is that most of these will be the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine that is probably less effective than the ones used in the US.

I wish there was better messaging on vaccines. I see stories of people refusing the AZ vaccine in Germany, France and Italy because they would rather wait for the Pfizer vaccine. Yes, if all other things were equal, I would prefer the vaccine promising higher efficacy but in a world where vaccines are in short supply, I'd rather take the effective vaccine that is available now - 70% beats 0% by a long way. Also, what's more important is the extent to which a vaccine protects against serious illness.

[shunlvswx]

My mother and I are getting our vaccine a week apart. I'm getting mines this week and she gets hers next week.

[CAinOH]

My husband has an appointment for his first vaccine shot! This Saturday at 11:15. I'm in the next age group opening up, but DeWine isn't announcing when that happens because they're still backed up with the 65+ people. (I'm not looking for it happening anytime soon.)

Austin, how is your grandfather doing?

[WalshFan88]

So sorry for your loss AG95.

My grandpa is doing well. He got so lucky! He's still a little tired but his respiratory symptoms and fever have gone. He was put on dexamethasone for supportive care at home. As it turns out, it wasn't his girlfriend who brought it home. He had to go for a blood draw for his PSA to check on his cancer about 5 days before he had symptoms. How we know it wasn't her is because now as of four days ago, she has COVID symptoms and a positive COVID test where as before she was negative. So one of the only times he leaves the house (for the doctors) he gets it and then she gets it from him. He said it had to be from the lab. It makes me nervous because I've been to the hospital and doctors offices so much recently and go again next week to St. Louis. Regardless, it looks like he gave it to her rather than her being an asymptomatic carrier. She is doing ok and seems to be on the road to recovery as well.

[UndertheWire]

It's good to hear of someone recovering well despite being vulnerable. It's a reminder that even in the most vulnerable groups, most people do recover.

[WalshFan88]

It's good to hear of someone recovering well despite being vulnerable. It's a reminder that even in the most vulnerable groups, most people do recover.

Yes...

If only that were true for everyone though. :( I know you aren't, but over here there are some people who are far too comfortable with "only 500k" dead and pushing false info about survival rates. Only 500k is far too much. There are millions over here, but 500k people is 500k people with families, lives, and a fair amount of them who were young, much to the contrary of opinion of some saying just let the chips fall where the may with older people or frail people. Which I take great offense to. But young otherwise healthy people have died too, which shatters their beliefs about it being only weak.

My endocrinologist the other day says the COVID virus and who it kills is still a mystery. He said we can have a guy who smokes 2-3 packs of cigarettes a day and who's diet is nothing but bacon and eggs and burgers with type 2 diabetes pull through with COVID with flu like symptoms and a week off and we can have a young adult athlete in his 20s drop dead, lungs overtaken with pneumonia, and not make it. He says that there is no rhyme or reason even in 2021. No age group is safe despite the preliminary data which isn't everything. Here in my local area there was an older teen who did of the virus overtaking his lungs. No underlying health issues. I do think the elderly are the most vulnerable, but not all will die of it. But not every young person is safe unlike what the prior US POTUS said. It makes no sense, over a year later. The only thing is to vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! And follow guidelines. No one is safe. I definitely don't think we can go by anything as hard and fast rules of statistics after what my specialist told me!

[UndertheWire]

I'm with you there. We should all be taking what precautions we can and accept a vaccine as soon as we can.

Talking of which, my US brother was vaccinated yesterday. As he's the oldest and has health issues, I'm relieved. I'll probably get my first dose in early April. My German brother is predicting he'll be offered in May and my Canadian sister can try to book hers from 1st June.

[WalshFan88]

Well I have some good news to share. I got my first Moderna shot today!

Our great Governor Pritzker (IL) opened up immunizations to the next phase including those with conditions and disabilities. I and my dad both qualified. My mom has already had both doses of Moderna. Dad and I got our first dose of Moderna today and already have appointments to go in exactly a month from today to get our second and final dose.

I was so excited I almost cried. I hadn't posted anything about it because I didn't know if HyVee Pharmacy would honor it and I also didn't want to get myself too excited. The new phase started today but sure enough they did and I have mine. I feel fine other than a very slightly tender sore arm. I don't feel like it was a particularly painful shot.

I'm so ready to not be so fearful for my and my families lives. I'm ready to not feel like all hope is lost. If not enough people will do the right thing and wear the masks and follow the science, maybe it won't matter if I'm vaccinated. I was so fed up because had we all done the right thing from the beginning, maybe we could safely open up by now. But no, we've regressed. Vaccinate everyone and do it that way. I can't count on all of my fellow Americans that are in my personal space out in public to do the right thing.

[KingWalsh]

Super Walshfan!! Such good news! Wishing the best. Glad to hear your grandpa has recovered!
my dad was able to get his 1st dose, we think people cancelled due to snow last Friday, so he was able to grab one! Yay! I hear ya, so ready to not have anxiety and fear and to move forward. Good luck to all fellow borderers....

[UndertheWire]

That's great news and within a few weeks you should have quite a high level of immunity even before the second dose.

[shunlvswx]

I get my first shot today. I'm nervous, but I'm one step from protecting myself and do other things. Of course I will still wear my mask since their are other variants out there.

My mother gets hers next week.

[Scamp]

Got both my shots, 2nd one was Wednesday, and no side affects. Still going to wear a mask when in close contact with others like at the store or such.
If you know a Vet that is having a hard time getting a shot tell them to contact the VA Hospital near them. If they have a doctor there, even if they only see them once in a while, call them and have them set you up. My neighbor is 95 and a WWII and Korean War Vet. He couldn't get in with Kaiser till March 15th, I told him to try the VA. He gets his second shot Monday. He walks his old dog every day and if someone doesn't see him for a day they start asking if anyone has seen him. If no one has phone call or knocking on his door starts. I think it drives him crazy sometimes. No when he has to go off he tells me. LOL Hey he's our Vet.
Glad to hear people are recovering from covid. Now it's the kids. They not get covid but can get anther disease from it. I can't remember the name of it but it's bad.
To those who haven't gotten their shots, don't be afraid to get one. It was a piece of cake. Some have gotten flu like side affects for a day or two, some get tired the neck day, some get a minor headache and some have minor arm pain especially at the shot spot but most don't get anything.
Stay healthy everyone..

[Ive always been a dreamer]

So glad to hear that your grandfather is recovering, Austin.

I am still patiently waiting to be contacted so I can make an appointment to get the vaccine. I'm trying not to be discouraged, but I got an email a couple of days ago saying that there is still no timeline for when this will happen. It looks like things are picking up though and, hopefully, this will continue. Glad to see that more of us here have been lucky enough to have at least gotten the first shot.

[WalshFan88]

Reporting back in after my 1st dose of Moderna.

I feel fine. I did have a slightly sore arm the day after as well as a little itching around the injection site. No rash or discoloration, just felt like an itchy bug bite but not as bad as a mosquito bite, it's just what I thought of to describe it. It's now Saturday night and both symptoms are gone with no arm pain or itching. Very tolerable and no other effects.

From what I understand, after my 2nd dose, the day after when I wake up if I feel anything it will be hangover type symptoms of a headache and body aches. That's really nothing in the scheme of things. I'm going to rest and lay around the next day anyway just in case. No appointments/plans/etc. I think it will be very easily tolerated. I will report back when I get it and then a couple days later. Maybe it will help those on the fence if we all can share our experiences. There's no changing the minds of the conspiracy nuts, but the people who are on the fence about should they get one can perhaps be lead to the light of getting one and feeling some level of comfort. I know I am. I will still wear masks and be a recluse for the most part, but I won't have this severe fear knowing that with my health and my condition that I won't likely die from it. That's worth it!

[MarthaJo56]

My Kevin & I had our 2nd Pfizer today. Both of us are feeling fine 8 hours later. Not even a sore arm. Kevin even went to work tonight. I chalk it up to taking care of ourselves. We eat clean, don't take any meds etc.
Our local facilities were hard to get into. A lot of friends have been having a hard time getting their 2nd appointment, too. But I was able to get us our 1st & 2nd appointments at Cal-Poly Pomona which is a 30 minute drive. It was nice to get out to another place other than the grocery store, chiropractor and the hardware store. :roll:

[CAinOH]

Hubby got the first dose of Pfizer yesterday. This morning I asked how he was feeling, and he said: "Relieved."

[groupie2686]

It has been very slow with the vaccines where I live. My mom is eligible to get it, but there are such limited amounts here that she hasn't been able to get an appointment. She has several health conditions that put her at risk so I hope she can get it soon. As for me I'll have to wait until its available for the general population. I hope that with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine being approved that more vaccines will be available for this area.

I hope everyone is safe and well!

[UndertheWire]

I became eligible for a vaccine from today and have booked the first appointment for next week at a site just 1.4 miles from home. This is about three weeks earlier than I expected. I'm fairly sure it will be the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and that's ok. A recent study of hospitalisations in Scotland has shown it to have been very effective in the real world.

I'm excited!

[shunlvswx]

I got my first shot on Friday. Other than my arm being sore, I was feeling ok. No side effects at this moment. I already made my second dose appointment for this month.

[Ariadne]

Our neighbor got her first shot a few weeks ago and her second a little over a week ago. She said it made her arm very sore. After some of the things I've heard, I'm kinda afraid to take it. However I know my doctor will want me to since I am diabetic.

[MarthaJo56]

We got our 2nd Pfizer shot on Saturday and as I said before, things were good when we got home, But not on Sunday.. Side effects were almost non-existent for me, but not Kevin.
I'll be honest, I was really scared there for awhile last night. He was shivering & moaning and his fever spiked up to over 103. He told me he had a little conversation with Jesus.
The fever finally broke at around 7:30 this morning. We went to our chiropractor appointment around noon, and dinked around in the yard all afternoon.
It's all good. We are so relieved to have gotten the vaccines. I feel like we are close to moving on to "normal".

[Elle81]

MarthaJo56, that sounds like it was a scary situation! I'm glad everything turned out ok. The side effects are the main concern I have about the vaccine, other than the gauge of the needle.

Here in Utah, Gov. Cox said on the news that he has ordered a gigantic order of the Pfizer vaccine and plans to have every resident of Utah vaccinated by next year. I hope so, I mean I know this isn't a wonder cure. However, with the whole state vaccinated, that will slow the spread. Amazon is intensely watching its employees and there is a mask mandate inside, and a temperature/health check point at the main entrance and a covid test area almost right next to that. I am apart of the janitorial/housekeeping staff and its my job to sanitize a small break room and the two adjacent restrooms. And I am a germaphobe with OCD, so I'm pretty sure my area is the cleanest spot in the entire building. :laugh:

[New Kid In Town]

I received my first Pfizer vaccine last Thursday. My arm was very sore for a couple of days but better now. I have my second shot in March. It has been almost impossible to get a slot for the vaccine here. My gf (who I am forever grateful to) got the slots for my sister and myself(we both have health issues). I had literally been on the computer 7 hours a day 7 days a week for almost one month. I was registered at nine(9) different sites. On one mega site I received a text stating I was the 25,089 person registered and they would let me know when it was my turn! I don't know about any place else, both the whole registration process is crazy here. I am very relieved and thankful that my gf was able to get me the slot. I went to a local CVS.

[MarthaJo56]

MarthaJo56, that sounds like it was a scary situation! I'm glad everything turned out ok. The side effects are the main concern I have about the vaccine, other than the gauge of the needle.

Here in Utah, Gov. Cox said on the news that he has ordered a gigantic order of the Pfizer vaccine and plans to have every resident of Utah vaccinated by next year. I hope so, I mean I know this isn't a wonder cure. However, with the whole state vaccinated, that will slow the spread. Amazon is intensely watching its employees and there is a mask mandate inside, and a temperature/health check point at the main entrance and a covid test area almost right next to that. I am apart of the janitorial/housekeeping staff and its my job to sanitize a small break room and the two adjacent restrooms. And I am a germaphobe with OCD, so I'm pretty sure my area is the cleanest spot in the entire building. :laugh:

Don't worry, Elle. The needle is tiny , so you will barely feel it. :smile:

[Elle81]

Don't worry, Elle. The needle is tiny , so you will barely feel it. :smile:
I hope so. What's funny is that I can handle getting blood drawn and that needle gauge is bigger, but any type of hypodermic needle gives me panic attacks.

[KingWalsh]

Ya the needle is so tiny I didn’t even feel it. Sorry MJ that Kevin had such a horrible go. I am glad we are possibly heading to normal too...but read online that Texas is planning on allowing full capacity concerts and lifting mask requirements?!? Is this true. Seems all too soon to me. I am anxious for normalcy but Leary and cautious!

https://loudwire.com/texas-will-allow-full-capacity-concerts-lifts-mask-mandate/

[UndertheWire]

In theory, I'm not bothered about needles but it seems that every news item shows a needle going into someone's arm and I'm starting to wince!

[MarthaJo56]

In theory, I'm not bothered about needles but it seems that every news item shows a needle going into someone's arm and I'm starting to wince!

I'm with you there! I have to look away. And there are SO MANY ads showing that needle.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Well - I am very excited. After nearly 2 months after registering, I got an email last night so I could schedule my appointment. I will get my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Saturday afternoon. :yay:

[LuvTim]

Congratulations, Dreamer! :yay:
I can't wait till it's my turn!

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Thanks LT. I went for my first dose yesterday afternoon. It was a very smooth process and I was very excited to be there. Once the vaccine was administered, they asked that you return to your car and wait for 20 - 30 minutes to make sure you didn't have any severe reactions. Paramedics were stationed throughout the parking lot to respond to anyone who may need help. Other than a sore arm, I haven't had any reactions. My appointment for the second dose was automatically scheduled for exactly three weeks - same place, same time.

[New Kid In Town]

Thanks LT. I went for my first dose yesterday afternoon. It was a very smooth process and I was very excited to be there. Once the vaccine was administered, they asked that you return to your car and wait for 20 - 30 minutes to make sure you didn't have any severe reactions. Paramedics were stationed throughout the parking lot to respond to anyone who may need help. Other than a sore arm, I haven't had any reactions. My appointment for the second dose was automatically scheduled for exactly three weeks - same place, same time.

Dreamer - So happy to hear you were finally able to get the vaccine. A relief for sure ! I go for my second shot on the 18th. My gf (who booked the apt for me) got her second Pfizer shot last Tuesday and felt terrible for three days. My sister and BIL both got their second merd. dose last week and were sick for 2 -3 days. Despite the side effects, it is a small price to pay and I will be very relieved when I get that second shot.
It is hard to be believe but tomorrow will mark one year when our Governor put a voluntary "Stay at Home " order in effect. The mand. order took effect a week later. It seems like centuries ago....

[CAinOH]

Governor DeWine opened up eligibility for the vaccine to those 50+ years old starting Thursday. So glad I was able to schedule my first COVID shot for Thursday, because appointments will fill up even more quickly now. I was given the choice of either the 2-shot or 1-shot vaccine. I opted for the 2-shot, but I have a feeling we'll be lining up for a booster next year. Hubby goes for his second shot on the 20th.

[UndertheWire]

I had my first shot of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine yesterday. I didn't feel the needle go in and I had a niggling doubt that it hadn't happened so It's reassuring to have a slightly tender spot on my arm today. I also have a mild headache but that's it for side-effects so far. My husband unhelpfully described it as an "inferior vaccine for inferior people" so I reminded him he would be one of those "inferior people" when he has his next week. In truth, I'm not bothered because the majority of people here are getting this one and it has allowed a very speedy vaccination program. My second shot is in 11 weeks time.

Schools reopened on Monday and we're expecting a rise in cases. The hope is that hospitalisations and deaths will continue to decline because the majority of those most vulnerable have already been vaccinated.

[Glennsallnighter]

I was checking a vaccine calculator last week and it was looking like the end of August for me but now they have withdrawn Astrazeneca for the moment so it could be a lot longer.

[sodascouts]

I'm sorry you're having to wait so long, GA. I hope that changes.

I've been luckier - I have gotten my first dose and am getting my second one at the end of the month.

[LovinGlennGirl]

Second shot coming up Wednesday, can't wait to be DONE!

[KingWalsh]

Good luck LGG! I just got hubby his first appt in a few weeks. It is crazy getting an appt. There is the state portal, then the two major hospital systems have there own to search through, and then depending what time of day you are actually looking, appts come and go so fast! Keep checking if you can’t get an appointment, you might get lucky and be on at the right time.

[shunlvswx]

I had gotten my second shot on Monday. I am done with the shot. Other than a sore arm and a little tired, I was fine on Monday. Then I started to feel like crap yesterday. I had a fever, chills, headache, very tired, and a little nauseous. All the side effects they said that would happen. I had to leave work yesterday when I was started to feel worse. I feel better now.

[FreyFollower]

After much wailing and gnashing of teeth, computer-challenged me finally had a covidvaccine scheduled for early yesterday. I was included in the new, large group added on Monday to the list of qualified persons. I thought I needed to hurry to get it quickly. But I was turned away when I arrived. They said that they could not open a vial unless at least 10 people were coming to get the shot within a certain number of hours, because they would have to destroy the remainder due to it's short shelf life after opening. Rules are rules, but where IS everybody? :sigh: C'mon, people! I'm now to get it Friday.
Glad you're feeling better, Shun!

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Still seem to be some glitches in administering the vaccine, but, overall, we are doing a lot better in my state.

Glad you are feeling better, shun. I get my second dose this coming Saturday. I will be so relieved to be fully vaccinated!

[UndertheWire]

My sister and brother-in-law were vaccinated in Toronto last weekend. You may remember that South Africa received a delivery of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India but then decided not to use it for fear that it was insufficiently effective against the South African variant. It seems that the vaccine was returned to India and Canada was able to purchase it. By now, it has a short shelf life and so Ontario opened up bookings to those aged over 60.

One of the positives to come out during the last year is how healthcare and science have become more visible. Instead of celebrities attending parties, we read about nurses and scientists. Dr Fauci (and in the UK Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance) regularly appears on our news feeds and TV. This, in turn, may inspire young people. We are told that applicants to train as a nurse are up 30% and surely there must be an increased interest in studying science. As a general population we are now better educated about viruses, vaccines, epidemiology, risk, clinical trials, aerosols, ventilation, genomics. This should help us to know how to evaluate the information (or misinformation) that we receive.

Just after my first vaccination, many european countries paused giving the vaccine I'd just had which was a bit worrying. However, I now know how to dig below the headlines and find the more detailed and reputable reports. I was able to convince my husband that I was unlikely to develop a blood clot and it was safe for him to be vaccinated the following week. There is still some risk from vaccines but it is very, very small and is greatly outweighed by the risk of catching Covid-19. Still, I'm hoping there will be further clarity before my sons get their turn.

[WalshFan88]

I got my second Moderna shot today! I'm so very happy. I feel relieved. I'm not letting my guard down nor am I planning any social events for a long time. But there is hope.

Now maybe I won't be in a panic attack anytime I leave the house. I've learned that I cannot trust other people to do the right thing. Where I live we are surrounded by fans of the former POTUS who also believe COVID is overhyped, hysteria, etc. Someday we plan to leave Rednecksville, but we are waiting for my mom to retire. My dad already has. No one around here wears their masks, no store enforce the corporate policy, and everyone is insufferable about COVID and vaccine conspiracy. It's a hotspot for the QAnon movement, I swear! If I hear the words: cabal, freedom, patriot, elites, pedo, microchip, etc ever again I'm going to hurl. They have ruined me on Patriotism. Now when I hear it I just picture the idiots that broke into the capital on Jan 6. And those aren't patriots! But it's a word that is getting way too popular as a way to defend nationalism and xenophobia nowadays. I hope that more and more and more people make the right decision to mask up, get your vaccine when you can, and follow the science. Yes, it changes. This is a NOVEL disease! They will change the guidelines and information as time goes on. We are still learning more about this virus. And with new variants on the way! When Fauci first said don't wear a mask in January last year, they didn't know one tenth of what they do know now. They clearly were wrong, because of lack of research. That's all!

Hopefully everyone in the world can get their vaccine sooner rather than later. Combined with mask wearing, social distancing, and doing the right thing we can somehow manage to get back to normal. But let's not get hasty and lose progress. We have to remove the BS from our minds, try to de-politicize this virus and forget about what the last guy said about it, and care for others by doing the right thing! I feel this virus has shown us that we are all human and fragile. Some of us are more fragile than others but this virus does not care if you are white, black, straight, gay, young, old, healthy, not healthy, republican, democrat, non-believer, believer. It's an equal opportunity killer folks.

I hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy and are able to get a vaccine soon. I'm confident that by the end of this year, we should be looking better and that the massive amounts of death and near-death illness will diminish. 550k+ people have died. I get a little tired of people peddling false survival rates. 550k isn't nobody! And I don't buy for second they all were frail from the start. I've known of perfectly healthy people in our local area die from it. A young online influencer in the guitar community almost did. He was on ECMO and intubated and almost didn't make it. There is too much downplaying of this deadly virus. A lot of it due to politics and/or online misinformation.

[groupie2686]

I finally got an appointment for today and when I got there, the line was insanely long. I had scheduled it between meetings at work and because of that, I couldn't wait! I was so frustrated! I made another appointment for the weekend after next, the J&J vaccine, but I'll take it. This all gives me hope that the end of this is in sight.

[WalshFan88]

We could have a talk about all of these different vaccines and their method of innoculation and effectiveness comparisons but at this point I just want everyone vaccinated.

Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, whatever. Even the AstraZeneca vaccine. Although I am admittedly a little concerned about the reports of clotting trouble with AZ. It's interesting because that exactly what can happen in some COVID patients. They can develop clots even months after they so-called recovered. It's a tricky disaease. Still, I think the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine's effectiveness is acceptable. The benefit of people only having it do it once like with J&J and AZ is certainly a plus for some to choose those.

My mom, dad, and I all got Moderna in a 2 shot system. It has the highest efficacy rate but only by a percent or so vs Pfizer, which is another 2 shot system. I would have taken the Pfizer as well. I feel like with my health I'd benefit more from the higher efficacy rate of those two vs Johnson & Johnson, but for the majority of people it won't matter.

[LovinGlennGirl]

Taken both shots (Moderna). We are about a week out from the second one, a little sore arm, hubby was a little tired, but other than that no other effects. So glad to be vaccinated, hopefully more will follow and we can move back to a more "normal" life.

[groupie2686]

We could have a talk about all of these different vaccines and their method of innoculation and effectiveness comparisons but at this point I just want everyone vaccinated.

Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, whatever. Even the AstraZeneca vaccine. Although I am admittedly a little concerned about the reports of clotting trouble with AZ. It's interesting because that exactly what can happen in some COVID patients. They can develop clots even months after they so-called recovered. It's a tricky disaease. Still, I think the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine's effectiveness is acceptable. The benefit of people only having it do it once like with J&J and AZ is certainly a plus for some to choose those.

My mom, dad, and I all got Moderna in a 2 shot system. It has the highest efficacy rate but only by a percent or so vs Pfizer, which is another 2 shot system. I would have taken the Pfizer as well. I feel like with my health I'd benefit more from the higher efficacy rate of those two vs Johnson & Johnson, but for the majority of people it won't matter.

I thought about the lower efficacy of J&J, I could have had that or Pfizer. But I have to go an hour out of town to get it, for the group of essential workers I fall under, or wait a while for it to be available here, and only having to go once made sense to me. I don't have any health conditions so I think I'll be fine. My parents have both had the first shot, one got Moderna and the other Pfizer, and I'm glad they got the ones with higher efficacy.

LGG - I'm glad you guys made it through with no side effects! I'm glad everyone here is getting vaccinated, hopefully we will be back to some semblance of normal soon!

[WalshFan88]

My response to the first Moderna shot was a slightly sore arm and that was it. About like a flu shot. Nowhere near as bad as the pneumonia shot (which I have to get a booster for this year ugh!). That is a painful shot.

My response to the second Moderna shot was interesting. I had mostly GI (gastrointestinal) side effects the day after. Nothing that night. When I woke up the next day I had a headache but I also had some upper abdominal cramping and nausea. No fever, chills, joint pain, etc. I ate a very light meal that day and that was it. I was a little tired also.

The stomach symptoms are interesting because sometimes COVID itself will manifest itself through stomach symptoms in addition or sometimes in place of the typical upper respiratory symptoms. You can get those exact symptoms with the real thing as well. What that means for me is that should I have stomach upset and nausea AND respiratory symptoms or feeling unwell in the future I should suspect that I'm one of the ones who has GI symptoms with COVID. Hopefully I never have to worry about it though! Not everyone gets the stomach symptoms with COVID, in fact more people don't than those who do. Yet, it is known and in St. Louis at Barnes they actually ask about GI upset in screening. I always wondered why since it's a respiratory disease in nature. I don't think it can travel through anything but respiratory droplets though so it's not like norovirus.

I hear Moderna is in clinical trials with their booster for the new variant(s). It would be a single dose booster type shot for those who have had their shots before. It's important not to mix and match brands, even with these boosters. I will absolutely take that booster should it become available and shown to work. However, there is early data suggesting that with the new techonology in the main shot it should offer decent protection against the known new variant. But I would be happy to take an additional booster.

[UndertheWire]

The message we are being given is although some vaccines are more effective at preventing symptomatic Covid,they are all effective at preventing serious disease and death, A study in Scotland, showed that in practice there was very little difference between the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines in preventing hospitalisation in the over-80s, and that the AZ might even have been more effective.

When the concerns about blood clots were first voiced, I thought they seemed like nonsense as I could see that the incidence of DVT and PE were lower than expected. However, the possibility of an increased risk of a rare kind of clot is harder to dismiss. However, it is still extremely rare and the risks to a 40-year-old from Covid are still much, much higher. I have faith that researchers are working quickly to determine whether there is a link and what could be done about it.

Our restrictions will be eased slightly from tomorrow - we will be allowed to have up to 6 people from different households in the garden and my son has already invited his friends round for a barbecue. Their last get-together was when the saw in the New Year in a field with a temperature of around 0C (32F).

[Ive always been a dreamer]

From what I am hearing, Astrazeneca is a good and effective vaccine. However, the company hasn't done a very good job with communications. Unfortunately, here in the U.S., emergency approval for the vaccine has been delayed because complete research data was not provided. Hopefully, this will be resolved soon.

And I got my second Pfizer dose on Saturday, and, fortunately, have had no side effects other than a sore arm and tiredness. I am very excited. It won't be long before most all my family will be fully vaccinated and we can start having family gatherings again. :yay:

[Glennsallnighter]

Delighted you got your 2 vaccines safely Dreamer! Enjoy meeting up again.

Over here we are still on strict lockdowm with no possibility of leaving it soon. No family gatherings until at least the 12th April and then one household can only meet one other household and only outdoors but not in gardens. After that date 2 vaccinated people (maximum) can have a short visit to one of theit homes.

All non essential retail still closed and 5km travel limit still applies.

[KingWalsh]

Sorry to hear you're in lockdown GA. We got very lucky Wednesday, through the CT vaccine portal, we got hubby 1st dose pfizer! the night before a clinic popped up that wasn't there previously Otherwise we'd have to wait a few more weeks...don't give up everyone keep checking! I'm worried since our state is now opening eligibility to 16+ it's going to be even harder to get appt. Congrats to all who have gotten theirs!

[CAinOH]

Got my second Pfizer dose on Wednesday. Had a cranky sorta headache yesterday, but that's hard to tell if it was the shot or just Ohio spring weather. Feeling okay today. Tomorrow is two weeks since hubby's second shot, so he's fully vaccinated now. Woo hoo!

[shunlvswx]

My mother finally got her second shot on Wednesday after it was cancelled last week because of severe weather.

Other than her having a sore arm, she's fine. She's lucky. I got the side effects while she didn't.

[groupie2686]

I got the J&J vaccine yesterday. I didn't have anything except a sore arm until about 10pm last night. Then the side effects started. It started with a headache, then muscle aches, chills, and a fever. It was terrible. I took Advil, which helped a little, and went to bed. This morning I woke up feeling fine, but my arm is still sore.

[sodascouts]

I've gotten my second dose (Pfizer). I had a sore arm like the first time, but no other ill effects except a pounding headache for a few hours the next day. I feel pretty lucky.

[New Kid In Town]

So happy to hear so many people are getting the vaccine. Most of my family has been vaccinated, which is a huge relief.
Shun - Glad to hear you are feeling better. UTW & GA, I hope you and your families can get the vaccine soon. UTW - BBQ at 32 degrees ! Only kids would do that. It is so nice to hear that families and friends can begin seeing each other again. Hope they have a great time !
I received the Pfizer vaccine and had a sore arm after the first shot and was very tired after the second. Other than that no other symptoms. My sister and a couple of other family members were sick after the second Moderna shot. New Jersey will be opening up the vaccine to people 16 and over on April 19th. The Governor wants schools to be open and resume full time classes come September 2021. As of yesterday over one million people in the state have been totally vaccinated. There is a surge but it is in the 20 - 40 age group who are not practicing social distancing.The latest stats show 817,464 confirmed Covid cases and 24,649 confirmed Covid deaths since the first case was reported on March 4, 2020.

[groupie2686]

I'm glad you didn't have severe side effects, New Kid - I had a fever, headache, & muscle aches after the J&J vaccine. It only lasted a few hours, but it wasn't fun.

My office is starting to get vaccinated and my boss is hoping for a return to some form of normality in early summer. (Many of us are still splitting time between working from home and the office and masks are worn at all times except in your own office space). The problem is that one of my coworkers refuses to get the vaccine. I don't think she has a medical or religious reason. I don't know if my boss can require it, but it would be wonderful to be back in the office without fear. There is so much uncertainty over what you can do once you're fully vaccinated that I don't even know what a return to normal would look like.

[WalshFan88]

https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/13/health/johnson-vaccine-blood-clots-cdc-fda/index.html

Hopefully this is just a random problem and not a sign of problems for the J&J vaccine. I know the AstraZeneca shot has been plagued with the same claims. They are both one-dose shots and I'm wondering if there are commonalities in their makeup. That said, it needs to be watched closely. It's not going to help the anti-vaxxers feel any better about the shots and will only worsen their fear mongering. You can pick your vaccine, folks. For those folks so afraid of it, get Moderna or Pfizer. Personally I like the two-dose system better in terms of my comfort level but at this point people need vaccinated and as long as the blood clot risks of AZ and J&J are rare, I see no reason to withdraw them yet.

[UndertheWire]

We don't all have a choice other than vaccine or no vaccine. The AstraZeneca Vaccine has two doses but in the UK the decision was made to delay the second dose so that more people could get their first dose (I had my first dose in mid-March and will get my second at the end of March). Some studies have suggested that a longer gap gives better protection as it allows more time for an immune response.

J&J have been running a clinical trial with a second dose, in the UK. I'm sure they are hoping this will give higher efficacy.

From what I've read, the J&J vaccine is similar to the AZ vaccine, and Sputnik V is also of the same type. We are being told that the risk from these rare blood clots is comparable with that of being killed in a road traffic accident on a 250 mile trip. We're also told that for most people, the risks from Covid greatly outweigh the possible risk from the vaccine but that it's more finely balanced for those under 30. So anyone under 30 will be offered a different vaccine, probably Pfizer or Moderna.

My sons, both under 30, are keen to be vaccinated. The older is concerned about the risk of long-Covid whereas the younger doesn't want to infect other people. The anti-vaxxers make a lot of noise but there are a lot of people who will quietly accept vaccination.

We began our next step in the release from lockdown yesterday. In England, non-essential shops, hairdressers and gyms can open and pubs can open outdoor spaces.

[WalshFan88]

That's true, UtW. I had forgot that AZ was a two dose system but they were holding off on doses, which is why I think I thought it was a one dose deal.

Here in the States you normally actually can pick your manufacturer, sometimes by choosing where you go to get the shot. Some pharmacies, stores, or health departments are doing one or the other. And now that Biden has opened up the vaccines, you can go anywhere to get it and not on a rollout by your state's department of health. Now with more availability, you can be more "choosy".

I chose a place that gave Moderna which was HyVee, a grocery store/pharmacy chain in the US. It was before it was generally available. At that time they were still following the state department of health's rollout. I qualified under Phase 1c, which is those under 65 with preexisting conditions. Same with my dad. My mom got hers early. She works in a school and was considered an essential worker, so she actually got hers before Phase 1b, which was seniors/above age 65. She was in the Phase 1a here in IL. Gov. Pritzker did a good job with the rollout but I'm glad it's generally available.

I'm not sure that I'm convinced that waiting longer between doses is a good idea or that it's better than the one-month cycle of Moderna and Pfizer if I'm being honest. I think that one shot does NOT offer enough protection, especially if that shot was built for a two dose administration. That seems like an awfully long time to wait with a half-strength dose. Is it better than nothing, of course, but I'd be concerned that for the at-risk people, that wouldn't be enough to keep them from getting ill. I think that seeing how people react to their second doses of Moderna and Pfizer, they are building enough of an immune reaction since there is significantly more side effects after the 2nd administration of the vaccine. I do think the people who have more signs of feeling under the weather the day after the second shot means that they built a stronger reaction than those who got away with nothing more than a sore arm. Only time will tell but I do have a lot of confidence in the mRNA vaccines.

[WalshFan88]

And now J&J's vaccine is on hold in the US while we wait for data about blood clots.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/13/health/johnson-vaccine-pause-cdc-fda/index.html

[UndertheWire]

I think the delayed second dose was the right approach for the UK at the time. Infection rates, hospitalisations and deaths were very high in January and the aim was to give protection to the greatest number of the most vulnerable people as quickly as possible. If you have a vaccine that's 76% effective against symptomatic infection after one does and 86% after two, you can do the maths and work out that if you have 200 does, you can give one dose to 200 people and 152 will be protected whereas if you give two doses, you only protect 86. One thing that has helped is that vaccinations were targeted at the most vulnerable first and delivered in a very efficient way. We're told that 95% of those over 50, as well as other vulnerable groups have had a first dose and increasing numbers are now getting their second. Unfortunately, because of supply problems, people aged 45-49 are only just being offered a first dose this week. The booking and organisation is excellent, just not enough vaccine.

I'm not worried about having to wait for a second dose as it's the first that gives the greatest benefit, but what worried me is the variants. In the last few days we have been hearing of a large number of cases of the SA variant in London and that's the one where the AZ vaccine may be considerably less effective. It doesn't take long for infections to spread from London to the rest of the country.

[WalshFan88]

I think with the ones offered here in the States that are two-dose (Moderna and Pfizer), perhaps it's not as strong on the first dose. I certainly wouldn't ever recommend only getting one. I think the fact people build more of a reaction to the second dose and usually never the first dose is a good sign that the 2nd dose is the one that does the heavy lifting. 95 percent effectiveness is a great metric for Moderna, and that's why I chose that over Pfizer, which last time I checked was 94.5. That's only a .5 percent difference but I felt like with my health I need all the help I can get. Still, they are very comparable. I would have gladly taken the Pfizer if it was between it and J&J. However, I wouldn't have taken J&J's vaccine unless it was the only option here and that it was confirmed to be the only vaccine available going forward at least for the short term. I'm definitely in the "get both doses of the two-dose system" camp for vaccines if you can do it. However if it's one dose or bust, obviously take the one dose. I just worry it's not enough for some.

For most healthy people, the effectiveness of the J&J here in the States is enough to keep you out of the ICU on a vent and keep you protected. If you are healthy, you might get away with no signs or only get very very mild cold-like symptoms if you've been vaccinated with J&J. However, the at risk crowd really needs more effectiveness IMO. It might keep them from dying, but they could still end up very very sick with COVID-19. Of course, if you can only get a one-dose vaccine (and it gets reopened in the US), is it better than nothing absolutely. But I think if at all possible, opt for Moderna first, Pfizer second, and J&J as a last resort. I realize that what I'm saying only applies to those of us in the US and those with multiple clinics. Hopefully a two-dose system will make it's way to other countries soon as I really feel it is the best way to go for the best protection.

I hear Moderna is working on a booster for the variants. Moderna and Pfizer use mRNA methods which can smartly pick up on similarities between the variants and the original, so there will be some degree of coverage against the variants. How much we do not know yet, but it's believed to give some level of protection on the variants. I'll gladly take a Moderna booster (likely one dose) to offer the best protection. The J&J and AZ shots using adenovirus are built to detect the original virus and not pick up on small changes.

[WalshFan88]

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-vaccine-booster-shots-moderna-fall/?fbclid=IwAR2X3S_y_n5cl87wDw4rgnv9jsfFObe2JQdmYqs4 E-jG3rkGzqUe_4V-FrM

This is excellent news for those that have taken the Moderna vaccine. I will take it as soon as it's available.

[Glennsallnighter]

Still waiting here in Ireland too. Like in the UK we will be told what vaccine we are getting - we don't get to choose. That said I will be happy to take whatever is offered to me. Astrazeneca and probably J&J will only be given to the over 60s due to the fact that the blood clot issues (which are tiny really) seem to effect younger people.
However we have abandoned the idea of prioritising different groups and are now just administering the vaccines on an age sliding scale.
Hoping to get mine by June now ....... but we'll see!!

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Well, here in the U.S., even though we did a horrible job of managing the pandemic in 2020, we were very successful in developing highly effective vaccines. And we have also been very successful in administering the vaccines so far this year. Unfortunately, almost a third of our population still are reluctant to get vaccinated, and, supply will begin to outnumber demand for the vaccine in the very near future. Hopefully, we will turn our efforts now toward eliminating some of this vaccine hesitancy so we can achieve herd immunity and get this virus under control once and for all. And then, we can also begin shipping our vaccines to other countries throughout the world and help eradicate COVID across the globe. Hallelujah! :pray: for that day to come!!!

[WalshFan88]

J&J vaccines are now back in approved status in the US. I agree with GA that they should be more choosy on who they give them to about the possibility of clots. I DO feel this hasn't helped the antivaxers change their minds. But there are alternatives. Moderna, Pfizer, J&J here in the US. I do feel that they need to be careful about the J&J, but I don't think people need to be scared about the COVID shots as a whole. I feel it was the worst possible timing for this to happen. The conspiracy nuts wouldn't change, but the people on the fence I'm afraid we have lost, hopefully just temporarily. Better yet, I hope they just chose to get a different vaccine. But I know some will now not get any of them.

Dreamer - I completely agree with you! This fearmongering concerning vaccines as a whole has to stop. Some of it is politics (thanks #45!), some of it is conspiracy-laden, and some of it is just uneducated people not knowing enough about it and feeling unsure about taking it. I so long for the period of time where this is in our rear view mirror. I don't know if it will ever be eradicated completely, but we can certainly put so much of it behind us that no one will end up in the ICU on a vent or worse, die, from this terrible disease. We have to reach herd immunity and get shots in arms. That is the only way we will get closer to eradication or innoculation. Can you imagine if people thought other deadly infectious diseases were a hoax? Or that the polio or smallpox shot was invented by Gates/Soros/etc and has things in it be it a microchip or baby cells or something to sterilize you? Thank god this kind of insane thinking wasn't a thing back then or at least nowhere near as prevalent. We'd be talking wiping out a lot of the planet folks!

I truly believe this would not be near as big of a problem if the former POTUS had not politicized this or downplayed COVID from the beginning. Antivaxers have been around for years, true. But it was mostly a somewhat smaller group of people thinking they caused Autism led by celebs like Jenny McCarthy. So it's not like antivaxers weren't around before him and before COVID, but it wasn't near this bad. Part of it is vaccine fears and myths and part of it is denying or downplaying COVID existing period. They will throw up false survival rates and call it a cold. I will give Trump some credit for putting a team together to work on starting a vaccine but literally everything else from public education, his language regarding COVID, to the buying of doses and the rollout of the vaccines the team created - was a disaster to put it mildly. So glad Biden is trying to get us on track.

[UndertheWire]

Hopefully, people in the US will look at the rest of the world and will see vaccines working. I read that Israel recorded its first day in 10 months with no deaths.

In the UK, the relatively low number of infections is probably down to the lockdown but hospitalisations and deaths are still falling despite the gradual re-opening. We don't seem to have too much of a problem with vaccine hesitancy but we will need a higher take-up than the US because many of us have had a less effective vaccine. By now, more than half of the population has received at least one dose, with 95% take-up in those over 50 and about 2/3 of those aged 45-49 (it's only been open for them for the last week). A recent survey suggested hesitancy in 1 in 8 of those aged 16-29 - but a more positive view is that even in that age group, some 87% are not hesitant.

My brother in Germany is having his first dose of AZ today. In Germany, it is not being give to anyone under 60 and there is a push to use up supplies on anyone over 60 and willing to receive it. As his two sisters and our husbands have had the AZ without problems, he may be less hesitant than many.

The news from India is disturbing but it's good to finally see some international action even if it seems rather puny. Perhaps I'm seeing more coverage of this (compared with South America) because of the large number of people with south Asian roots in the UK. I work closely with someone with family in Mumbai and Dehli and I'm almost afraid to ask if everyone is ok.

[WalshFan88]

Yes India is really struggling with it right now. :(

The new variants concern me. We need herd immunity from the original variant, let alone all these other variants coming out. People are being selfish about the vaccines just as they were about the masks and lockdown. I'm reasonably confident that booster shots that contain coverage for the variants will be coming from Moderna, probably Pfizer too as you can't mix and match. So those who originally got one would get the same company's booster shot. I really hope it will be out by next year. I will certainly take it.

[scottside]

My wife and I finally got the Janssen vaccine today (one dose). My internist told me that this was the safest one for me as my whole family has autoimmune issues. I had no idea what to expect, but it wasn't bad. My arm felt that it had been punched for about 15 minutes after the shot, but went away quickly after that. The rest of the day I just felt more tired than usual, but that was it. Hopefully, tomorrow won't be worse. I'm just glad it's finally over.

I'm guessing that down the road we'll have to get another shot since this won't last forever, but I've heard nothing about this particular vaccine providing boosters so I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[New Kid In Town]

My wife and I finally got the Janssen vaccine today (one dose). My internist told me that this was the safest one for me as my whole family has autoimmune issues. I had no idea what to expect, but it wasn't bad. My arm felt that it had been punched for about 15 minutes after the shot, but went away quickly after that. The rest of the day I just felt more tired than usual, but that was it. Hopefully, tomorrow won't be worse. I'm just glad it's finally over.

I'm guessing that down the road we'll have to get another shot since this won't last forever, but I've heard nothing about this particular vaccine providing boosters so I guess we'll have to wait and see.

scottside - I heard all three are working on booster shots. Glad to hear you were finally able to get the vaccine.

[WalshFan88]

And the news I've been waiting for - Pfizer will be the first to get authorization for adolescent COVID-19 vaccination. Excellent news for two reasons, they frequently are asymptomatic carriers for one. And for two, they DO and CAN die from it. Rarer than adults or seniors but they can. There is now a local teen in the ICU with blood clots in the lungs post-COVID. I expect Moderna to follow suit. Not sure about J&J with the blood clot stuff, but it looks to be mostly women who are middle age or older getting those, and it's still pretty rare.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/03/health/pfizer-covid-vaccine-teens-fda/index.html

[KingWalsh]

Very soon my girls should be getting vaccinated as Walshfan stated Pfizer will get the go ahead soon yay! A lot of the cases in our town were from after school get togethers and such where people slack and hang out etc. I think they did a good job with the restrictions they had in place in school systems. We would get emails from superintendent reminding people repeatedly to enforce restrictions while not in school, but it wasn’t happening. I am so lucky that my family hasn’t been infected (that we know of) gotten ill throughout this Ordeal. I wish all the best and its looking closer and closer to a light at end of tunnel.

You know how they say x amount of Americans are not getting their second shot...I dunno, I found that hard to believe. Maybe I’m just lucky in CT people aren’t hesitating we are at like 50% adults fully vaccinated. But my question is.....Do they factor people in that might have scheduled an appointment through the state portal but cancelled for whatever reason but got the second shot at let’s say CVS or Walgreens who is not in the state portal? How do they keep track of that? I know they have the card and document in their system etc but do they merge this information. I imagine they would but just something I wonder. Sorry for rambling lol

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Congrats on getting your vaccine, scottside. And great news about the pending approval of the vaccine for all the U.S. population age 12 and over. I believe most parents will be relieved to have their children vaccinated. And I will also take the booster shot. I'm hoping that we will only have to have this no more often than once a year.

[WalshFan88]

Awesome, KW!

Dreamer - my hope as well. However it all depends on these variants, more variants to come (hopefully none, but realistically...), and how proactive the main vaccine is against the variants will determine how often you get vax'd and if boosters are needed. I have a feeling the people that get the AstraZeneca or the Johnson and Johnson will need more boosters, because it's more of an old school vaccine where it is just a static clone of the virus and gives you immunity. However Moderna and Pfizer uses mRNA, which means it can smartly detect new things over time that are 95 percent the same and block those as well, where the other two I mentioned are more specific to the original COVID strain.

I remember I already had my flu shot for the year when H1N1 came out, and I got the H1N1 shot as soon as it came out to cover it as well. It was a big vaccination center in our local high school gym. There wasn't politicization of that virus, so there was a big turnout for vaccines. There was not the BS downplaying or hoax-ifying going on then nor near the conspiracy theories. There have always been anti-vexers, but the ones related to COVID are mostly people who would have had no problems with an H1N1 shot nor would they deny it's severity. And considering COVID is about a hundred times or more worse, you'd think they'd take it even more seriously but sadly that has not panned out.

[Glennsallnighter]

Our non essential retail is opening up again tomorrow for the first time since 31st December. I'm looking forward to getting some new clothes and trainers, and also doing some browse shopping.

Also our vaccine programme has ramped up in the last month or so. The plan to vaccinate different occupations at different times was abandoned in favour of a straightforward age related plan, Ie the older you are the sooner you get vaccinated. So I get my first shot on Wednesday coming. Its the Pfizer BioNtech. My follow up will be 4 weeks after that. Fingers crossed!!

[WalshFan88]

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/eric-clapton-disastrous-vaccine-propaganda-1170264/?fbclid=IwAR0GmdOBxdNMi-p-8aQ_1iiaKygHer6rMj1pQ2zAfd60HcPBMTh6uRNhZhQ

This is so disappointing to see.

I'd believe Eric more if he hadn't done the little anti-lockdown/COVID is overblown song with Van Morrison earlier last year. It wasn't just saving live music (which has lived on with PPV livestreams and the like and a passion I'm very much on board with, as long as we don't throw the baby out with the bathwater - our health!). It was all about trying to say COVID isn't that bad and that people shouldn't have to follow restrictions or wear masks and all of that. It's suspicious at best, honestly. I think it's his agenda.

Now he's saying the vaccine isn't safe. He admits the side effects he had were related to his peripheral neuropathy. PN has flareups, who's to say his problem wasn't coincidentally a flareup right around the same time. If it is a side effect, it has to do with the underlying disease. Still, 10 days with numbness and tingling is better than 10 days or longer in the ICU on a ventilator on max settings only to die days later as someone I know's husband just did. He wouldn't take the vaccine due to BS fears about DNA.

I have to say, I take Eric Clapton's story with a grain of salt folks. Again, had he not been such a weasel about lockdowns and trying to spell lies about the severity of COVID (or in this case, lack of), maybe I'd believe him a little more than I do now. I really think Eric needs to seek some better "companionship", if the type of people he is hanging around are Trump-loving, COVID-denying, conspiracy-driven idiots. Clapton should just move to the States, he'd fit right in with some of these misguided sad people over here.

As my buddy Joe would say - come on, man! I highly encourage everyone to give serious doubts to Eric's claims and try to research for themselves. And I say that as someone who was a massive fan of Eric's and considered him an idol of a guitarist and musician and loved his music. This kind of thinking is so dangerous and IMO, puts blood on people's hands when they knowingly choose to spread misinformation. It's one thing to do so and not know any better or be confused, but when you do so to push an agenda, it makes you indirectly responsible for the deaths of those who didn't get vaccinated out of fear, if later they come down with COVID and die. That's just how I feel at this point. My patience and tolerance of these people is wearing so thin it's almost non-existent. I feel sorry for those who don't know any better, but those who do - I show no mercy.

And as far Clapton's comment about so called tyranny. No, Eric. At least here in the US, we just got rid of a tyrant and dictator-wannabe! It's called science. And compassion - which you claim to have but I'm not seeing any real signs of if I'm being honest.

[WalshFan88]

Our non essential retail is opening up again tomorrow for the first time since 31st December. I'm looking forward to getting some new clothes and trainers, and also doing some browse shopping.

Also our vaccine programme has ramped up in the last month or so. The plan to vaccinate different occupations at different times was abandoned in favour of a straightforward age related plan, Ie the older you are the sooner you get vaccinated. So I get my first shot on Wednesday coming. Its the Pfizer BioNtech. My follow up will be 4 weeks after that. Fingers crossed!!

Awesome GA. I'm so happy for you guys.

Here in the States it is now feasible to go sans-masks indoors and outdoors if you have been vaccinated. I think private businesses should either still require masks or ask for the actual CDC hardback vaccination cards. Not a photocopy, either...I'm seriously concerned about forgeries at this point. Too many people lying and we lose our progress.

Personally, I will absolutely still wear a mask indoors and in businesses. Outdoors, if distanced enough I will not wear it, but I will have it with me at all times. If I'm standing in line somewhere outside, I will still wear it. If for no other reason than to be a role model for those who need a real role model in doing the right thing, even if I don't have to.

[KingWalsh]

So kids get vaccinated Tuesday. Yay! My little one not yet... I don’t know what to think about Clapton’s symptoms and what not. I am just happy we are on the right track. CT positivity rate has dropped dramatically, at 1.12% and last I checked we were about 70% vaccinated adults. I too worry about forgeries and shake my head at that mentality, Walshfan....like the new pic by the way :wink:

[Scamp]

I'm over 70 got both doses of Pfizer in Feb with no side affects. In our area we have had a few people break out with shingles after getting the Moderna vaccine but never had them before. Some have minor flare ups of other existing conditions but otherwise no serious problems. Even my 95yr old neighbor got his Pfizer shot in March with no problems, not even a sore arm.

Now I just want to express my opinion about something that kinda bothers me. As I stated in another post on the board how happy I was to find a board where everything didn't become political in some way. I don't want to say they are right or wrong just I'm getting tired of it. I mean it's getting old. I realize people are going to say it's their right as it is, people aren't going to agree on everything, which is true. But to me it just seems to make a post seem so angry.
That's it, I'm done... Let's make it about the music..

[UndertheWire]

I'm so pleased to hear that the situation is improving in Ireland. Selecting by age is such a pragmatic approach and seems far simpler, more effective and less divisive than selecting by other criteria. Lucky that you are getting the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine.

Today is the big opening up in England as well as different variations in other parts of the UK. We are now allowed to go into pubs and restaurants and other people's houses though with limits on numbers. We're even allowed to travel abroad on holiday. The number of infections, hospitalisations and deaths are very low but unfortunately, cases are increasing in some areas with the "Indian" variant. Early reports are that the vaccines seem to be effective against it.

I'm booked for my second vaccination next week (AZ) and my husband the week after. The second vaccine is now being offered to those over 50 with an 8-week gap but we've decided not to risk the appointments that we have just to get in a week or two earlier. My sons, both in their twenties, haven't heard anything beyond the stated intention of offering a first dose to everyone over 18 by the end of July. As the elder has started traveling to London for meetings and the younger is due back at his office in London by 21st June, I wish this would hurry up. They will be offered one of the RNA vaccines because of the rare blood clot risk with the AZ.

On the positive side, the vaccine uptake in the UK is very high. Initially, the expectation was that it would be around 75% but so far, it's more like 95% of those over 50. Vaccines are now being offered to everyone over 38 and there are surge vaccination programs in some areas where the "Indian" variant is prevalent. It seems that the British public is very pro-vaccine.

[WalshFan88]

So kids get vaccinated Tuesday. Yay! My little one not yet... I don’t know what to think about Clapton’s symptoms and what not. I am just happy we are on the right track. CT positivity rate has dropped dramatically, at 1.12% and last I checked we were about 70% vaccinated adults. I too worry about forgeries and shake my head at that mentality, Walshfan....like the new pic by the way :wink:

Thank you. And that is an excellent stat! We need those kinds of numbers everywhere.

[WalshFan88]

Now I just want to express my opinion about something that kinda bothers me. As I stated in another post on the board how happy I was to find a board where everything didn't become political in some way. I don't want to say they are right or wrong just I'm getting tired of it. I mean it's getting old. I realize people are going to say it's their right as it is, people aren't going to agree on everything, which is true. But to me it just seems to make a post seem so angry.
That's it, I'm done... Let's make it about the music..

It's hard (actually impossible, but) to make a thread about millions dying of a pandemic "about the music", Scamp. This is a serious, life-changing topic that requires the right information getting out. I think not having this thread would be a mistake. I think every public platform needs to have this kind of up to date information and discussion and clearing the air about myths and conspiracies so that people need not die anymore because of this horrible disease. I think every forum should have a COVID thread. Every Facebook group. I think there should be more community task forces in public to discuss this and put out flyers and share the right information. Censor the misinformation and remove it from social media so that vulnerable minds aren't at risk. I'm all for shutting down those social accounts repeatedly and intentionally sharing deadly conspiracies!

I see your point. Trust me. A deadly disease the world hasn't seen the likes of before is the last thing that should have been politicized. Sadly it was by the last sitting president. Not my fault. It would have been the last thing I would have wanted politicized. But I will call him out for his terrible mismanagement of the virus and for brainwashing so many other Americans into thinking masks are weak, the virus isn't so bad, and for not coming out and speaking out against the vaccine disinformation that so many of his followers are pedaling. I don't care if he was a Democrat or Republican or Barney the purple dinosaur. I'm a Democrat who didn't like him for other reasons, but had he been a Democrat, I would have gladly voted for the other party to remove him from office! He has blood on his hands - plain and simple. The Bob Woodward tapes show exactly that he's guilty. Guess what, COVID doesn't care who you voted for or if you believe it or not. You are another host that can just succumb like anyone else. It doesn't care about freedom or silly selfish things like crying about lockdowns or masks or whether or not you believe the vaccine is harmful. Unless you have immunity, it will infect you and move to the next!

Make no mistake, I am angry about what is happening in this country with so many people showing such lack of regard for their fellow Americans in not doing the right thing because their Messiah told them so or encouraged it. Again. This is a big deal. I will speak out against this stuff as I see fit. Someone I know's husband just died of COVID. He had the chance to get the shot but his buddies who are all in this tragic mindset of following the last president into the abattoir turned down the shot because of fears of it changing the DNA. He then got COVID, spent 2 weeks in the ICU on a vent, and died. And now his widow is alone. She took the shot. Just because he was selfish and was badly misinformed by these people. This is the stuff that makes my blood boil. You'll notice I'm not talking about foreign policy or economy or anything like that. It IS COVID related.

There are thousands of threads on EOC about music especially Eagles music, I suggest if you don't want posts about things other than music that you avoid this single thread. As you can probably tell, COVID talk and upset doesn't escape this thread. Feel free to put me on your ignore list if it bothers you, or just avoid this thread. I understand. Again, I don't normally discuss this stuff (other than one thread pre-election in 2016). I post all over the forum and am happy to discuss music with you elsewhere. But make no mistake - I am angry and rightfully so and it concerns the hell out of me that some aren't as up in arms! Thankfully, most people posting here take it as seriously as I do and are just as worried about the future of my country and the virus that has claimed so many. I'm seeing the same misinformation in real life and on social media day after day and it wears on me. I also have other life events that are weighing on me. Clapton's statements made me see stars last night. It was the last push I needed to say something and mean it. Perhaps I was over the top. But I'm going to own those comments and beliefs and not back down on them. If it bothered you I am sorry to have not worded it better. But I'm not sorry for believing what I believe or feeling that there are a lot of selfish people in America who when tasked for "loving thy brother", they fall short in a very big way. That hurts and enrages me. I am disabled. I have health conditions. I shouldn't have to stay home just because some people don't want to wear masks or take the shot. You realize just how cruel some people are and how vast that group of people is. But you know what? I still have hope. And I want to believe in my heart of hearts others do.

I'm glad you did your part and got the vaccine. I thank you.

[WalshFan88]

On the positive side, the vaccine uptake in the UK is very high. Initially, the expectation was that it would be around 75% but so far, it's more like 95% of those over 50. Vaccines are now being offered to everyone over 38 and there are surge vaccination programs in some areas where the "Indian" variant is prevalent. It seems that the British public is very pro-vaccine.

That is so great to hear, UtW. If only the US could follow suit.

[UndertheWire]

I prefer to think of it as a World Health issue with lots of interesting science. I hope for competent government that will make good decisions based on good science but I accept they will make mistakes. Even the Trump administration got some things right, particularly the investment in the development of vaccines.

Back to the science, I wanted to share some graphs from a recent report from the UK Office of National Statistics that I find exciting. It's relevant for other countries because it shows the correlation between vaccination and Covid antibodies. It shows the sharp increase with the first vaccination, a slight drop after a period before an increase following the second. For those aged over 80, it will have been the Pfizer vaccine and for those aged 50-75 it will mostly be the AZ vaccine.

https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/dvc1357/ageovertimewrapper/index.html

[WalshFan88]

Even the Trump administration got some things right, particularly the investment in the development of vaccines.

The speed of development of vaccines, absolutely.

The rollout and buying of doses of the vaccines they spearheaded was a disaster until Biden's cabinet came in. I remember waiting forever and a day for it to go beyond essential workers. And then Biden came in and suddenly everything was moving so much more smoothly. I'll give the Trump administration credit for the speed of development of them, but they literally get no passes on everything else COVID related. And a lot of that had to do with Trump himself. He should have been more proud of the vaccines I suppose and made a PSA and told his people to go get them and to stop believing misinformation. But then again he should have done that with mask wearing, for that matter.

Again the development of the vaccines his cabinet and team they assembled I give full credit for. But the rollout was a disaster. Now the rollout is so smooth we have more vaccines than people willing to take them sadly. At least anyone who wants one can get one and actually have their pick of Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson. That's how available they are at least in the US, what I'm seeing. There are pop up clinics everywhere, pharmacy chains, even doctors offices have started stocking them now thankfully!

It makes me happy too that now we are getting them into the arms of teens in the US, teens being one of the asymptomatic carrier groups. This will help tremendously!

It absolutely is a world health issue, UtW. It's unfortunate that government has to be involved at all.

[WalshFan88]

I went ahead and screenshotted that graph UtW and posted it as a pic. Very interesting indeed!

https://i.imgur.com/02BloiT.png

[groupie2686]

New York has arbitrarily ended the mask requirement for fully vaccinated people as of tomorrow. This presents problems for my office, where we are all fully vaccinated except one employee, who refuses to get it. We don't know what to do about it.

Its confusing to even know how to interact anymore. Most people are still wearing masks outside around here. Still, the declining numbers everywhere give me hope one day soon this will be over.

[Scamp]

Can't wait for the 4th. We just went in the least restricted and they expect everything to be open by June 15. We're planning our 4th party. We just had a small celebration last year. Most people in our neighborhood have been vaccinated including most the kids.
We still have to wear a mask in some stores. Most are waiting for June 15 to remove masks. It's confusing. Some places you have to be vaccinated to not wear a mask and some places you need one regardless of having shots.
We actually have people in the area that say they may just keep wearing a mask when shopping or in a crowd
We've been so lucky to live along the beach and through all this been able to use the bike path along the beach without masks if you stayed 6 ' apart which was easy on a bike. The actually beach, or sand was closed for a while but opened up early but you couldn't sit on the sand you had to keep moving.With everybody staying home our beaches were empty so it was great. Parents could take their kids to the beach and let them run around.
Over all in this area most people just followed the "rules" staying 6' apart. We even had a laugh when we realized we were all walking one way through the neighborhood when walking our dogs. It was't something we started because of Covid, we've been doing it all along.
Hope they can get going on the concerts soon. I bet the guys are just chomping at the bit to resume the tour.
Everyone keep safe. We're slowly returning to normal. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. LOL

[New Kid In Town]

Here in New Jersey 70% of adult have been vaccinated. We still have to wear a mask if going indoors to a rest.,store and public transportation, which I support. We no longer have to wear a mask outside. Personally, I would wear a mask indoors anyway as you have no idea whether a person has been vaccinated - it operates on the honor system. I know a few people who have refused to get the vaccine. Most colleges in NJ are requiring kids be vaccinated before they can return to in-class learning. I have friends who have just had their teenage kids vaccinated.

UTW - Very interesting stats. Austin, thanks for the graph !

[Ive always been a dreamer]

I totally agree with you about the masks, NKIT.

To address Scamp's concerns, we do typically avoid discussing politics on this board. It is very unfortunate that this pandemic has been politicized in the U.S., but it did, in fact, happen and it was inevitable that some of that would find its way into our discussion here. I have also been angry and sad at times at the way things were going in this country that I love. But, at this point, since we are definitely moving in the right direction now, I prefer to just focus on the future and hope things will continue to improve. The only things we can do about the past is to learn from our mistakes instead of denying and/or repeating them.

[Glennsallnighter]

First shot done with virtually no side effects. The line I was standing in was exactly like the USA preclearance that we do when travelling over to the US from Ireland and I took that as a good omen. Next shot in 4 weeks. When we can travel again I would love to visit any of Detroit, LA, Washington DC or NYC. Maybe all of them. But I think it will be next year in reality before we can.

I think we will be wearing masks here a lot longer too but 2 fully vaccinated households can meet up indoors now which is great.

Its great to hear all the positivity coming out of the countries where the vaccines are rolling out. I hope that supply to the developing world will be augmented soon also.

Another website which gives up to date information on the progress of the disease and the predictions is worldometer which I find excellent.

[Elle81]

Finally was able to get my covid vaccine dose yesterday. I got the Johnson & Johnson single shot, because I have a huge fear of needles. I'm going to California next week, just for a week to visit family. I know how bad California has been and I didn't want to risk it. So far, I'm OK. I feel hot, but that is most likely do to the fact that on Friday I was working outside in 100 degree heat and I got sun burnt. And excessive heat makes me dizzy and gives me headaches. So if I do have any side effects, then I can't tell. I just hope they're not delayed and end up hitting me while I'm on the train.

[MarthaJo56]

Finally was able to get my covid vaccine dose yesterday. I got the Johnson & Johnson single shot, because I have a huge fear of needles. I'm going to California next week, just for a week to visit family. I know how bad California has been and I didn't want to risk it. So far, I'm OK. I feel hot, but that is most likely do to the fact that on Friday I was working outside in 100 degree heat and I got sun burnt. And excessive heat makes me dizzy and gives me headaches. So if I do have any side effects, then I can't tell. I just hope they're not delayed and end up hitting me while I'm on the train.

If the J&J is like the others, the side effects, if any should be done with by the time you come out here to California. I haven't heard of any lasting more than a day or 2. Safe travels!
Welcome to the West Coast--the BEST coast! :heart::heart:

[Elle81]

If the J&J is like the others, the side effects, if any should be done with by the time you come out here to California. I haven't heard of any lasting more than a day or 2. Safe travels!
Welcome to the West Coast--the BEST coast! :heart::heart:

The side effects went away in a day. Today, I was just fine. And I'm a California girl born and raised. I'm coming home! :partytime:

[WalshFan88]

Safe travels! Glad to hear the side effects are gone.

[groupie2686]

Safe travels, Elle! I had a similar experience with the J&J - the side effects were less than a day.

It is a very strange state of things here in NY. In most businesses, you don't have to wear a mask if you're fully vaccinated. Many people still are, but it looks more normal every day. I ate in a restaurant yesterday for the first time in over a year.

[Elle81]

Safe travels, Elle! I had a similar experience with the J&J - the side effects were less than a day.

It is a very strange state of things here in NY. In most businesses, you don't have to wear a mask if you're fully vaccinated. Many people still are, but it looks more normal every day. I ate in a restaurant yesterday for the first time in over a year.
Thanks, Groupie! It's been a week and my arm feels like there is a massive bruise on the injection site. I'm just glad that there were no real bad side effects.

[KingWalsh]

Hi Groupie! Being a fellow tristate area peep, it is weird and confusing at times! Some stores still want the masks worn, some don’t. I haven’t been in a restaurant yet, but sure it’ll happen soon. My kids did well with Pfizer too barely any side effects. Only my little one is left to get vaccinated. Good luck Elle, and to all border folks on our journey back to normal!

[New Kid In Town]

Hi Groupie! Being a fellow tristate area peep, it is weird and confusing at times! Some stores still want the masks worn, some don’t. I haven’t been in a restaurant yet, but sure it’ll happen soon. My kids did well with Pfizer too barely any side effects. Only my little one is left to get vaccinated. Good luck Elle, and to all border folks on our journey back to normal!

HI KF & Groupie ! I believe 70 % of people here in NJ have been vaccinated. I was in target with my sister late last week and no mask was required. We then went to Home Goods and they were handing out masks at the door. We then had lunch at a local diner and the staff all had masks on. However, I think all rest. employees must still wear masks.

Elle - Have a great time !

[Scamp]

Thanks, Groupie! It's been a week and my arm feels like there is a massive bruise on the injection site. I'm just glad that there were no real bad side effects.

Welcome home, Elle81, even if it's just a short stay, from one native to another.
As far a your sore arm, we've had a few people complain of that too. The think it's just where the induction site is on our arm and how the person gave it to you. My first shot the nurse kinda pinched the skin up then gave me the shot. I didn't even feel it and no bleeding. My second shot, the medic didn't pinch the skin as much and I felt it a little with a spot of blood. But no soreness in the spots later in the day or the next day. Some of the people the people giving the shots went higher up on the arm and their site was sore almost like a sore muscle for a week or more. There were a couple people on tv talking about how the person went way to high and hit the bursa in the arm and they had problems for a month of more. Doctors started reminding people to watch how high they were getting the shot and question it if it seemed high compared to other shots
Stay out of the sun..I found on my sunburns, I use bactine. It really cools the burn and helps with pain and itch.
Have fun on your visit.

[Elle81]

Thanks, Scamp. I had a lot of fun. Sadly I go back to Salt Lake City tomorrow.

[Glennsallnighter]

2nd shot done today so from this day next week I'll be fully vaccinated. I'm glad its the Pfizer bioNtech one. I've heard that J&J and Astrazeneca may not be as effective against the Delta variant, and it will become the dominant variant in Europe and the USA by the end of the Summer according to the scientists.

Looking forward to being able to travel again too. I think our Borders will open up in mid July and we should get our green certs by then too! Fingers X-ed!!

[KingWalsh]

YayGA!

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Congrats, GA! I'm glad for you because getting fully vaccinated has been very liberating for me. However, I am concerned that people who are not vaccinated may be getting a false sense of security that the virus is disappearing. Of course, as these highly transmissible variants spread, the unvaccinated are at higher risk. We are already seeing evidence of this in some places here in the U.S. Once cold weather hits again, we could see another surge. :brickwall:

[UndertheWire]

We're being told that Pfizer is around 95% and AstraZeneca around 92% effective at preventing hospitalisation from the Delta variant. Because most of the older population are fully vaccinated, the majority of those hospitalised are now under 65. Vaccinations have now been opened up to everyone over 18 and in looks like there will be a good takeup.

Unfortunately, the number of Delta cases is still rising and hosptialisations and deaths are also starting to rise, though not at the same rate as earlier waves because of vaccination. I can't imagine how bad things would have been if Delta had arrived a year ago.

[WalshFan88]

Yay GA! It is such a feeling of safety and doing the right thing when you are fully vaccinated. It is NOT foolproof, but it IS highly effective. I certainly feel better now after two doses of Moderna than I ever did before I got my first shot.

I echo UtW's sentiments on the Delta variant. I think the Moderna, Pfizer, J&J, and AZ will offer good-to-great protection against *this* variant, but who knows what comes next. That's why we have to do everything to eradicate it before it mutates again. Like UtW said, I cannot imagine if it came last year. This variant is more virulent and more deadly than COVID or any of the other strains.

My gut tells me that the mRNA vaccines might offer more coverage against variants than the one and done shots, but I think even those will offer a good amount of protection. However, the more removed we get from the original SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 strain we get, that coverage will get more and more weak. That's why time is of the essence on getting people vaccinated en masse.

My hope is that there will be booster shots, especially for the single dose vaccines to offer even more coverage against the Delta variant. If Moderna comes out with one and it passes clinical trials and gets emergency use authorization, I will absolutely take it. Other than the day after the second shot feeling puny, I had no ill effects from it and certainly no effects since then.

[Glennsallnighter]

They are predicting a delta surge in Europe generally over the next few weeks. The Euro 2020 football finals haven't helped. Its a race against time to get everyone vaccinated. We are down to our 35-40 age group now for the regular vaccines in the vaccination centres. However the Government has also licenced the pharmacies to start administering the J&J to the 18-34 age group. They have delayed the reoopening of indoor dining and we still can't travel out of the country. But its not all bad news.

[Scamp]

Here in SoCal almost everything is opening up now. Los Angeles has had an increase in the Delta version so they are asking everyone to keep wearing mask when out in crowds. In OC we're doing good. Even during the shutdown the bike path along the beach was still open for the most part which really helped. Being able to get out and walk or ride along the path was a mind saver. In our neighborhood we don't stand close to each other when we talk anyway..Everyone like their space. When/if someone went to the store they would call around especially the elderly and see if they needed anything. Even when ordering delivery we'd see if something was needed.
I think we will have to have booster shots. I think it may end up being just like the flu shot. Get it every year and each year they add all the versions that came out the year before.There will always be those who don't want the shot for what ever reason, their choice, and those who can't have it for medical reason so I think it's important that those who can or want it get it.
We're starting to get shows and concerts, on small venues, again. We're getting ready for the 4th and having three and maybe more neighborhood players or bands playing. We're having a taco truck handling some of the food and having hamburgers for lunch. We're wrapping all the burgers to have minimum multiple handling. Just trying to not have community dishes to help keep multiple hands in the bowl so to speak...Plus everyone has been vaccinated too.
Hope everyone's home towns start opening soon, but keep safe.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

We are beginning to see an increase in cases again in the U.S. Hopefully, with the 4th of July weekend here, we won't have another major surge. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

[WalshFan88]

Yes I'm really hoping we don't hit a hard second or third wave (at this point it's hard to keep track).

The virulence of the Delta strain is very concerning to me. Not so much for the vax'd folks but for the ones who aren't for whatever the reason.

At some point we will need booster shots. They are saying that those that have taken the Moderna, Pfizer, or J&J vaccines will have good to great protection against the Delta variant. But the more removed the variant gets from the original COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 strain we get, the more bleak it will be. That's why we have to reach herd immunity.

[UndertheWire]

It's supposed to be "Freedom Day" in England but it feels more like it did back in March 202 when we were wondering why we weren't already in lockdown. Cases are increasing rapidly and that includes amongst people who have been double vaccinated. We have an outbreak at work despite very low levels of occupancy in an open plan office - in the last two days, 4 out of 12 have tested positive. One was fully vaccinated (AZ) but I suspect the others have only just had a first dose (they're all young and would only have become eligble in the last 4-5 weeks). So despite a lifting of most legal restrictions, my personal decision will be to stay home and limit my interactions as much as during the full lockdown. What has changed is that I'm less scared about dying but more concerned that I could spread the disease without knowing.

What's shocking is that despite high levels of vaccination, the Delta variant is spreading so quickly. The most recent ONS figures (from a couple of weeks ago) are that around 3% of those aged 16-24 have Covid compared with 0.5% in those aged 50-69 and 0.2% in those aged over 70. These fit well with the antibody data which show only 81% of those aged 16-24 have antibodies compared with around 97% for those aged 50-69 and 99% of those aged over 70. I am also hearing of fully vaccinated people becoming infected. So far, these have had the AZ vaccine which is estimated to be only 60% effective at preventing infection with Delta, whereas Pfizer is estimated to be 88% effective against infection. It's all scary.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

It sure is scary, UTW. Cases are beginning to rise rapidly again here in the U.S. again just when we thought we could get back to some sense of normalcy. i'm not looking forward to autumn and winter here.

[Glennsallnighter]

Cases in Ireland are rising too but at least all adults can now access whatever vaccine they choose now so it will only be a matter of weeks before we are all vaccinated. We have had a very high uptake of vaccines with really only a few refusing and these have medical reasons for this. Indoor dining will reopen next week but you have to show your vaccination cert to be admitted. I hope that they make inroads to vaccinating the 12-18 group before the schools reopen in Septmber as this variant is very virulent and will have the capacity to spread through schools very quickly.

[shunlvswx]

Our cases are back up to the 1,000 here in Mississippi. People are still acting like Covid-19 is not real or still have that attitude I won't wear a mask no matter what.

I might have to start back wearing my mask at work. My job told us we don't have to wear it, its up to us. I worked with usually three people at night. We are 6 ft apart. I'm on a platform and they are at the bottom. So we're not in each other's space, but since cases are going back up and I can still get it even though I'm vaccinated, I'm not going to risk it. I still was wearing my mask to the store, but I wasn't really wearing my mask unless I leave my desk.

[MarthaJo56]

I just noticed this morning that the grocery stores where I usually shop (Clark's Nutrition, Trader Joe's & Sprout's) have removed the floor stickers indicating the 6 feet distance. It is very unsettling.
But we did stop in at Von's and there was someone there still wiping down the shopping carts.
We still wear our masks, no matter what.

[WalshFan88]

People are still acting like Covid-19 is not real or still have that attitude I won't wear a mask no matter what.

Sadly, this is the case around my area too. It's a major problem. And I don't think it's just my location or yours, shun. I think these people who think and act this way are far and wide. Do I think it's more common in smaller towns or suburbs or in certain locations of the world where it's more "country" or southern, sure. But it's in all of those.

And some may not like or agree with me saying this - but this is a 100 percent politicized issue now. You cannot convince me otherwise. It should have *never* been made into political theater. It should have never been a partisan issue. It should have not been a race/gender/identity or even national issue. This was and is a human issue internationally. Forget all of the identifiers and parties and classes. COVID doesn't care about that. It cares about infecting you and getting you to pass it along. The funny (only in irony) thing is, one minute the naysayers are saying to give Operation Warp Speed and the last administration all the credit for the work on bringing these vaccines so quickly and for the current administration to not take any credit for the rollout. And in the next breath, it's all about how the vaccines (that Operation Warp Speed created) were too rushed and it's unsafe because "insert conspiracy nonsense here". Or that they are laden with microchips or chemicals that sterilize you. I think the minute the current President started to promote those vaccines from day 1 in office and work on actually getting them rolled out en masse and available enough and not to just emergency workers and buying enough doses and getting pharmacy partnerships, etc (the thing 45 didn't do!) - some people immediately turned on the idea and in a big way. Disinformation became the norm. And I don't mean misinformation. Disinformation to me is when you knowingly share false information that is dangerous to the health of others to promote a narrative. It suddenly became all about bashing the vaccine. The "covid isn't real" stuff started though early in 2020 because POTUS was downplaying it. To me it's a crime against humanity now. The amount of echo chamber brainwashing and the socialization of that group of people online and in person at this point has done irreparable damage to the USA, IMO. And it all started with their leader. Love me or hate me for it, that's how I believe. Boy howdy how I wish this wasn't politicized. How I wish everyone just did the right thing and didn't question logic and science and did what the experts told them to. And if information changed, change with it. Quit promoting the nonsense they are muzzles or control devices or that they offer no protection. Of course it's not 100% percent effective but neither is birth control and people use that all the time because some protection is better than none. I firmly believe there would be less people dead, way more people vaccinated, herd immunity reached, and EVERYONE doing the right thing by their fellow man by social distancing and wearing those masks they hate. Had the messaging from the last President been different, we'd be looking at a different America IMO.

Stay safe everyone. I feel grateful to have received both of my Moderna vaccines and am anxiously awaiting being able to take a booster should one be approved for emergency use. Still, with news of the delta variant and such, I have gone back to wearing a mask in public places and limiting public exposure. I'm still doing takeout and appointments and seeing family, but I'm not afraid to revert back to 2020 levels of lock in, should the evidence be that it is the right thing to do. Could have been avoidable if more people got the shot and did the right thing. Having some people doing the right thing and some not is like having a peeing section in a public pool. It doesn't make any sense to me at all.

[UndertheWire]

After the concerns of a week ago, the case numbers in the UK have dropped sharply but unfortunately deaths are the highest they have been since March. One theory is that the recent increase was driven by the success of the England fottbal team in the Euros. The nuumbers peaked several weeks earlier in Scotland because the Scottish team exited the competition early. However, it could just be that school holidays start three weeks earlier in Scotland. Watching with fingers crossed.

[WalshFan88]

After the concerns of a week ago, the case numbers in the UK have dropped sharply but unfortunately deaths are the highest they have been since March. One theory is that the recent increase was driven by the success of the England fottbal team in the Euros. The nuumbers peaked several weeks earlier in Scotland because the Scottish team exited the competition early. However, it could just be that school holidays start three weeks earlier in Scotland. Watching with fingers crossed.

I'm real concerned about the next wave of hospitalization and death in America from the virulence of the Delta variant. I hope I'm wrong, but I think this winter will be brutal.

I do think the people who have been vaccinated will be kept from the ICU and dying of COVID-19, but I'm real concerned about the possibility of transmitting it to an unvaccinated person while the vaccinated person acts as an asymptomatic carrier. SARS-CoV-2 is still such a novel virus that we are still learning about it and what it does to the body a whole year and some months later after the first hit. Bat coronaviruses are the closest cousin to it, which would be the SARS-CoV-1 (SARS) virus from years ago, but even it is a distant ancestor to it. It likely came from mutations between bats in caves, IMO. And other animals later sold in wet markets in China. It certainly mutates quickly.

[Elle81]

With this Delta variant picking up speed, I feel a sense of impending doom. Like how you feel getting into a roller coaster and you just know that first drop is going to be terrifying. In Utah, there are a few, thankfully not a lot, but still a few clumps of communities that are refusing to get the vaccine mostly for religious reasons. In California, the numbers are of course higher because it's a bigger state. I am grateful to hear about a lot of people getting vaccinated. However there is so much misinformation being passed around, that it's mind boggling. A lot of people still don't believe it's that serious. "It's just the flu!" I keep hearing. My sister is extremely adamant on her refusal to get vaccinated. I have since learned to not engage with her when she rants about it. It's like arguing with a brick wall. This whole situation is extremely draining. :-(

[Scamp]

Here in CA the Delta version is spreading quickly especially in the bigger cites, more people may be a reason. I've been following what they say about a booster and have seen some good numbers with a third shot so if it's offered I'll get it. I DON'T CARE WHAT OTHERS SAY, I'm the only one responsible for me. If I want to wear a mask, leave me alone, it's my choice. I like the 6 foot rule because I really don't like people up in my space. In our neighborhood almost everyone has had shots but we have some that won't get them, a couple because they can't because of medical reasons. But even they are watching and hoping that one will be along soon that they can take. Their doctor said if they would come out with a milder version per shot but more shots it may work for them. Like a shot every 2 months and four total shots.
We had one restaurant that during the first round they wouldn't serve you if your were wearing a mask. If you came in to pick up your take out order they would dink around so long that your food would be cold. Some said they waited for almost an hour to pick up. Now they won's serve you unless you can prove you haven't had shots?? How one does that I don't know. Saw on the news this morning the State is investigating them because they took money for ppp and payroll protection, over $50,000.
So thats CA I guess Born in SoCal and never lived anywhere else and we have always had "diverse" people here. On the other hand LA Music in the 70's-80's was great. Saw all the Eagles before they formed was also nice but the whole music scene was unreal.
Stay safe and watch out for the Delta version and keep an eye on flu season too. We can't control what others do but we can control what we do.

[WalshFan88]

We had one restaurant that during the first round they wouldn't serve you if your were wearing a mask. If you came in to pick up your take out order they would dink around so long that your food would be cold. Some said they waited for almost an hour to pick up. Now they won's serve you unless you can prove you haven't had shots?? How one does that I don't know. Saw on the news this morning the State is investigating them because they took money for ppp and payroll protection, over $50,000.

Ok, that is just wrong!

It sounds like the owner/staff are putting an anti-vax agenda before the safety of their customers. I hope they get sued into oblivion and charged by the state. Clearly not a place that should still be in business after all this. It truly is hard to bite my tongue now in regards to certain groups of people who continually undermine science or try to believe in a failed movement and can't see the forest for the trees when it comes to what's real vs what is brainwashing done by a cult made of conspiracies, false hopes, misinformation, and blind loyalty.

Please stay safe, Scamp! You are doing all the right things. If people want to give you a hard time for wearing a mask or getting the shot, that reflects on them not you!

[Glennsallnighter]

Here they are mopping up the last few adults with dose 1 and have started on the 16-17 year olds. My son (17) got his first shot through work yesterday and my daughter (20) will get her first shot at a walk in tomorrow morning. The uptake has been very high here and even though cases have been hovering around the 1000 mark they are not increasing too badly. We still have to wear masks everywhere even if vaccinated but other than that its nearly back to normal. No concerts yet though and sports events are not at capacity yet.

[WalshFan88]

I just got clearance from my doctor and his strong recommendation to go for my 3rd Moderna vaccine as a booster for the immunocompromised. I'm so excited.

The delta variant is a scary situation. The booster should be generally available in September from what I'm hearing, but the compromised can get one now at the US pharmacy chains. Just make sure you get whatever brand you got before, Pfizer or Moderna. Sadly those who've had the AZ or J&J single dose vaccines aren't eligible for a booster shot.

[LuvTim]

I just got clearance from my doctor and his strong recommendation to go for my 3rd Moderna vaccine as a booster for the immunocompromised. I'm so excited.

The delta variant is a scary situation. The booster should be generally available in September from what I'm hearing, but the compromised can get one now at the US pharmacy chains. Just make sure you get whatever brand you got before, Pfizer or Moderna. Sadly those who've had the AZ or J&J single dose vaccines aren't eligible for a booster shot.
Very happy to hear that you have been cleared for the booster! 😎

[KingWalsh]

Good news Walshfan 88. Delta is no joke. We have been very busy at work. And it’s so frustrating.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

I'm glad you are able to get the booster shot, Austin. My sister is currently undergoing chemo treatments for cancer, so she just got the booster. Her husband and I are her primary caretakers during this, but the pharmacy is saying we are not eligible to get it yet. They say I may be able to get it once the booster is available in September. In the meantime, I'm back to masking and social distancing whenever I go into a public place. I am going to start getting tested at least weekly, maybe more if necessary. :sigh:

[KingWalsh]

Wow dreamer, sorry to hear about your sister. Prayers. Hope you can get booster soon, you are doing the right thing with masks and such. I too am wearing my mask and social distancing. I worry about kids going back to school.

[edwardd19]

I just got clearance from my doctor and his strong recommendation to go for my 3rd Moderna vaccine as a booster for the immunocompromised. I'm so excited.

The delta variant is a scary situation. The booster should be generally available in September from what I'm hearing, but the compromised can get one now at the US pharmacy chains. Just make sure you get whatever brand you got before, Pfizer or Moderna. Sadly those who've had the AZ or J&J single dose vaccines aren't eligible for a booster shot.

exactly, its so ignorant to hear others disregard the severity of this virus. coming from me, my father contacted the virus last april. he was in the hospital for 8 months, put on a ventilator and dialysis, and came home living on an oxygen machine. AND HES ONLY 43, and then to hear others ridiculing this virus saying its fake, it just makes me angry.

[FreyFollower]

I'm glad you folks are being careful. We have been stretched thin at work due to folks being out with Covid, and our Burger King closed over a week due to positives. In some areas, the vac rate is very low, even among staff at nursing homes! The governor said a shot was no longer optional at facilities with medicare/medicaid patients.
Dreamer, I'm so sorry to hear of your sister's cancer. Prayers for a complete remission! I have a close relative with it as well, and they dropped chemo and don't mask.:weep:Don't understand.......

[Ive always been a dreamer]

I also have a hard time understanding where some people's heads are. Where did common sense go? It boggles my mind that our society is so willing to let so many people die over this. Edward, I am so sorry about your father and hope he will improve over time. And thanks for the kind words about my sister. She is early in her treatment and is keeping a really positive attitude so far. I am going to talk to my doctor this week to see if I can get the booster.

[WalshFan88]

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister, Dreamer.

I have seen the narrative of the anti-vax crowd shift from "I'm not taking it because it's not FDA approved, there is no studies or approval yet!" to "well, there are other things that the FDA has approved that kill people, like Fentanyl, so I’m not taking it!". They keep moving the goalposts, now that the Pfizer shot is fully approved. It's just political and it shouldn't be.

[CAinOH]

I have seen the narrative of the anti-vax crowd shift from "I'm not taking it because it's not FDA approved, there is no studies or approval yet!" to "well, there are other things that the FDA has approved that kill people, like Fentanyl, so I’m not taking it!". They keep moving the goalposts, now that the Pfizer shot is fully approved. It's just political and it shouldn't be.

And that excuse holds no water anymore. The Pfizer vaccine has gotten full FDA approval.

So sorry to hear about your sister, Dreamer. Prayers and healing thoughts for all three of you.

How is everyone here doing? Me, I'm fine, physically... but I am tired. Tired of dealing with those who will not get vaccinated (we have one hold-out at work; won't even start with what I think of that situation). Tired of hearing about these governors and those who legislate no mask or vaccine mandates. (This coming from the "pro-life" party, right? If I hear another, "It's my body!" argument coming from one of them...) Ohio' state legislature is arguing about a no mask or vaccine mandate law. That is absolutely ridiculous. "We shouldn't have to wear a mask to go to a restaurant or a store!" Hey, I have an idea! Try going into either without a shirt or shoes! Ohio now has more people with covid in the hospital than before the vaccines were available. Ridiculous!

[WalshFan88]

And that excuse holds no water anymore. The Pfizer vaccine has gotten full FDA approval.

So sorry to hear about your sister, Dreamer. Prayers and healing thoughts for all three of you.

How is everyone here doing? Me, I'm fine, physically... but I am tired. Tired of dealing with those who will not get vaccinated (we have one hold-out at work; won't even start with what I think of that situation). Tired of hearing about these governors and those who legislate no mask or vaccine mandates. (This coming from the "pro-life" party, right? If I hear another, "It's my body!" argument coming from one of them...) Ohio' state legislature is arguing about a no mask or vaccine mandate law. That is absolutely ridiculous. "We shouldn't have to wear a mask to go to a restaurant or a store!" Hey, I have an idea! Try going into either without a shirt or shoes! Ohio now has more people with covid in the hospital than before the vaccines were available. Ridiculous!

They keep moving the goalposts. I mean Trump even said at his last rally to get the shot, and they booed him and then went back to chanting for him when he changed the topic. But he downplayed it originally, and that's how we are here. A little too little, a little too late. And yes it's the pro-life party. But I've always found that there sure are a lot of "pick and choose" religious/conservative folks out there. They pick and choose what parts of the Bible to "enforce" on others (anti-homosexuality as just one glaring example), while not caring that the last POTUS was a serial adulterer. They give passes to people who they think will push their agenda even if that person doesn't believe how they believe, as long as they will push the agenda as if they do, they don't care. I've always said - if you want to believe or not believe that's totally fine and your right and I fully support it. But I think it is NOT their right to tell others they must also follow the same Bible and morals and have legislators start creating laws based on Christian beliefs or any other religion. That's why it was so important for SCOTUS to change and allow gay marriage. Freedom of religion is also freedom to choose to be agnostic, atheist, etc. It's also freedom to be proud of your faith and share your beliefs and help people, but not force their hand if they don't feel the same way. Case in point, my dad is a believer in Christ and the afterlife. My mom and I aren't so sure now but we aren't firm atheists either. We all co-exist just fine and don't try to change one another. We don't talk about it all the time, but we don't have a problem doing so. But my dad will also be the first to tell you if you support the last President and think he was a God-fearing Christian, you need to re-read your bible and not be a hypocrite/pick and choose type. He also is pro-choice and believes that if it truly *is* wrong, let God himself be the one to punish that person when their time comes, it isn't up to you to do so and isn't your place. Love thy brother and sister sure have a lot of clauses and exemptions it sure seems these days. It drives people away from faith IMO. It's a lot more judgmental than it ever used to be, I'll say that. I come from a family where both sides had some that believed & some didn't.

I'm doing ok, I just had another trip down to St. Louis to Barnes to see neuro-ophthalmology, this time for an eye issue but since I had a brain scan on file down there with neurology and my choices were St. Louis or Chicago to get a specific retina test. I chose to go down there so I wouldn't need the brain MRI repeated that they would also need, just the retina/optic nerve tests. They tested ok and now I'm slated for cataract removal. I have early cataracts from years of steroid replacement for adrenal insufficiency. They are posterior subcapsular cataracts. My eyesight has become pretty bad over the last two years, but since I'm blind in one eye, before I went and had surgery for what we thought was a cataract issue, my eye doc down here wanted to rule out other pathology before putting me through a risky surgery. It was confirmed that I have no retina/optic nerve issue in my only seeing eye and that it is coming from the cataract, so now next month I go see a local cataract surgeon who comes highly recommended to have the surgery and hopefully I will come away with great eyesight. It's certainly daunting, but it's worsened to where the risk/benefit ratio is where I feel comfortable with proceeding.

[WalshFan88]

Third full dose of Moderna is done and over with. Glad to have some peace of mind.

I qualified as "immunocompromised".

[KingWalsh]

Wishing the best walshfan. Did the third shot cause a reaction? Just curious.

[WalshFan88]

Wishing the best walshfan. Did the third shot cause a reaction? Just curious.

Identical to second shot. Mostly upper GI symptoms of nausea and queasy sensation in the top of the stomach (which are unusual but a known presentation - usually means if that person were to get actual COVID, you would show stomach symptoms which is good to know) and a pounding headache the day after. I never vomited and I did take two tylenol for the headache before I tried to fall asleep last night which did let me sleep all night long. I did eat some peppermints as I tend to be one who suffers from periodic bouts of nausea anyway and it's something that helps that doesn't involve meds. Today is the third day and I feel completely fine with no after effects and no soreness at all.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Glad you got your booster, Austin. With the help of my sister's oncologist, I was able to get the booster in early September. I was lucky and didn't experience any severe symptoms with any of my Pfizer vaccines other than sore arm and tiredness for a couple of days. However, the third shot was the easiest of all - only symptom was a sore arm for less than a day.

[Glennsallnighter]

Dreamer I am sorry to hear about your sister. I will pray she makes a full recovery. Shes lucky to have a dedicated person like you as a carer.
Edward, sorry too to hear about your father. I hope he too recovers well.
After quite a low level we were supposed to relax the majority of the remainder of our restrictions tomorrow but over the last 2 weeks cases have gone up again to over 2000 per day. The government decided to stop contact tracing close contacts of primary school children and stopping then from restricting movements (staying at home for 2 weeks) if they were close contacts. BIG mistake IMHO.

As a result while we had hoped to be able to drop masks and social distancing it won't happen now until I think February.

[KingWalsh]

Thanks for the info Walshfan. Also I will have to remember peppermint, when I get nausea it's terrible! Glad it went somewhat ok. Was wondering, 2nd shot hit me hard, but I know it has to be done. I have a feeling they will require the booster soon at work, now that Moderna has the go ahead. CA, we had one that refused the vaccine in the lab, she was let go. I don't know why people do what they do. You are so right...people flipping out over a mask, but don't take issue with no shirt no shoes no service.

Hoping all are ok and we will eventually see an end to this..

[groupie2686]

I'm glad to see everyone here is doing ok. I got the J&J and I'm eligible for a booster, I have an appointment after Thanksgiving. I signed up for a Moderna booster, I didn't want another J&J (although it seems to be working, I haven't had covid) but I'm a little nervous about mixing them, even though the CDC says it's ok. I feel like we're all in a big science experiment (which I guess we are).

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Good luck groupie with your vaccine booster. To some extent, I agree that we are in a science experiment. However, I also believe that it is a very low risk experiment because there is a whole lot more that the experts know than what they don't know. Since they already have the basic template for developing virus vaccines, they just have to 'tweek' them to ensure maximum efficacy for each specific virus. Overall, I believe we are very safe and in very good hands.

[WalshFan88]

Good luck groupie with your vaccine booster. To some extent, I agree that we are in a science experiment. However, I also believe that it is a very low risk experiment because there is a whole lot more that the experts know than what they don't know. Since they already have the basic template for developing virus vaccines, they just have to 'tweek' them to ensure maximum efficacy for each specific virus. Overall, I believe we are very safe and in very good hands.

I agree, Dreamer.

I think all of the vaccines are very safe. A very small number will have some side effects like they would for any other vaccine in history. Without them we'd probably not be talking right now. But IMO the science shows they are very safe and very effective. And if you should have a breakthrough case, you can't end up in a hospital or pass away.

I think the mRNA vaccines are the way to go personally, in terms of raw efficacy, but even a J&J shot is so much better for you than none at all. Moderna has the most, Pfizer second, Johnson & Johnson third. I think mix and match is safe. I think in all likelihood it's probably smart. Especially if you had the J&J vaccine previously, get a mRNA shot.

I did just hear they are saying for immunocompromised people to perhaps get a full dose third shot first, and that leaves room to get a 4th dose, that they will call the booster, which is a half dose. So I may have made the right call by getting a third full dose of Moderna. I would go for the Moderna booster. Not because I don't think the others are safe, but it's more my OCD and completist nature. :hilarious: But for most people 2 full doses and 1 half dose is sufficient. I will likely wait about 4-6 months, and go get a half dose booster. I already got my flu shot for the year also.

[shunlvswx]

My 6 months since my last shot is in November. So I’m just waiting for when it opens up to others. Should be soon.

[groupie2686]

Thanks Dreamer and Austin! I'm getting it the day after Thanksgiving (great planning isn't it, the appointments filled up so fast this was all they had any time soon). And it can't be soon enough- two of my coworkers are in quarantine right now for covid exposure.

I hope you get it soon, shun!

[UndertheWire]

My sister is in Canada and she and her husband had a first does of the Oxford/AstraZeneca (similar to J&J) and a second of either Biontech/Pfizer or Moderna. No problems. I'm pretty sure my brother in Germany also had AstraZeneca followed by Pfizer. Clearly there is plenty of reak world experience of mixing vaccines and also a number of trials. I'm booked for either Pfizer or Moderna at the end of this month (after two doses of AZ). That regime has been followed in the UK for the last 5-6 weeks.

[WalshFan88]

And now the Omicron variant is coming. :(

Until everyone does the right thing and gets vaccinated in the world, more variants will continue to come. Herd immunity is so very important. Having just enough unvaccinated people passing it around means that virus can continue to replicate and change and we will be in this far longer I'm afraid.

[Scamp]

I've had all my shots..Sound like I'm talking about my dog. LOL Even got my flu shot. They're telling people not to forget the flu shot. We really didn't have a flu season last year because everyone was staying home and wearing masks and sanitizing everything. There has already been a couple death from the flu in Los Angeles. My Dr said he's worried that with everyone staying home so much last year that some may not have the immunity they had before just by being out and around people. He said we could have a bad flu season if people don't get their flu shot and it would be really bad if flu season hits bad about the same time another variant of covid 19 hits too.
I think soon we'll just get covid shots just like we do flu shots. Every year the flu shot has the last variants that came out and it seems every year another flu variant comes out. Sounds just like covid. I remember as a kid it seemed we would get the flu and before it was over it seemed another one came out
All we can do is keep ourselves as safe as possible so we can get back to some live concerts..Music Music I want live Music!!!!
Be safe everyone

[Elle81]

I got a covid test done at work just the other day. It was because I was working the theater and had been stationed back at the employee/cast and crew entrance, so they had to make sure I wasn't sick with the virus. I told them I was vaccinated and they said they still had to do it. i was going to protest but then I remembered that they might be concerned about the variant, which is quickly making its way across the west. Since I'm not vaccinated against the variant yet, I let them do it. The actual swab itself wasn't terrible, however it must have aggravated my sinuses, because for the next five hours I was sneezing constantly and my right eye was watering like crazy, like it normally does when my allergies act up.

With the concerns about the variants and also the flu season this year, I hope everyone stays safe. Sadly, it seems like the corona virus is going to be around for a while.

[Glennsallnighter]

Its great to see everyone being responsible and getting their booster shots in. The news on Omicron is that it will spread faster but the illness is milder than that caused by Delta.

I'm over 5 months since my second pfizer shot and the boosters will be available for my age groups from tomorrow. I'm hoping I can do walk in as it means I can go on a Friday and have the weekend if I get any side effects. I doubt it will be much as I was really just tired after my other shots.

My husband got the Astrazeneca and because he is emergency services he got his booster 2 weeks ago.

I really do feel for those countries that are only 5% vaccinated and after my booster I will donate to the WHO campaign to supply vaccine to the developing nations. The message here is as Austin said that this won't be over until the world is vaccinated.

Rumours that schools will close again after Christmas here. I sincerely HOPE NOT!!!

[shunlvswx]

I got my booster shot last week. I made sure to get it that Monday so I would have Monday and Tuesday if I get sick. I end up not getting sick. Thank goodness. My arm was very sore for the whole week.

[CAinOH]

Got my booster yesterday!

[Ive always been a dreamer]

:yay: for shun and CA!

[groupie2686]

I got my booster after Thanksgiving and had side effects for about an hour. It was very bizarre, like a less severe version of the side effects I had the first time (I had J&J followed by moderna). Just in time for the omicron variant, the first case of which just came to my area. This feels neverending at times...glad everybody is staying safe here!

[UndertheWire]

My husband and I have now had our third vaccination. He received a half dose of Moderna whereas I had a full dose of Pfizer and was told I would get a booster in 6 months or earlier. This seems to be just in time as the latest report is that the AZ vaccine offers no protection against symptomatic infection with the Omicron variant and Omicron cases are doubling every 2-3 days. We're not in lockdown but we're back to a mask mandate and guidance to work from home if possible. Of course, that's no change for many of us.

Fingers crossed that Omicron turns out to be milder than Delta as early reports suggest.

[WalshFan88]

So glad everyone has got their boosters!

I think the initial reports of Omicron being less deadly, but also being easier to transmit than Delta as has been said, and hopefully that holds up over time.

I'm certainly worried that until herd immunity is reached this virus will continue to mutate beyond what the original vaccines are able to cover effectively. It's one thing to get it and have a breakthrough infection and pass it along or have mild cold symptoms. It's another if you end up on BiPAP or a vent in the ICU. I don't mind the former although I'd prefer it not to happen but it's the latter that I need the vaccines to prevent. If you get everyone vaccinated and immune to it the sooner the better, the less variants will form.

[AlreadyGone95]

The day after I got my booster 2 weeks ago, I got covid. My uncle, who was unvaccinated, caught it and gave it to me. I managed to stay out of the hospital, but he spent a week in it. I'm about 80% recovered. Still haven't fully regained my sense of smell and am extremely fatigued, but it could be much worse.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

OMG AG! Thank goodness you were vaccinated. Hope you have a full recovery soon.

I have a cousin that has been hospitalized for more than a month. Unfortunately, she wasn't vaccinated and we just found out this morning that the hospital has done everything they can for her, so she is being moved into hospice this afternoon.

It just boggles my mind that so many are willing to put themselves and others at risk of dying rather than get vaxed. I mean can they seriously believe that the vaccinations are riskier than the virus??? SO SAD!

ETA: Sadly, my cousin lost her fight against Covid last night. It sickens my heart because I truly believe her death was senseless and avoidable.

[Elle81]

Yikes! I hope you make a speedy recovery, AG.

and I am so sorry to hear about your cousin, Dreamer.

[AlreadyGone95]

Sorry about your cousin, Dreamer.
I'm about as back to normal as I think I'm going to be for awhile. My sense of taste is back to normal, and my sense of smell is about 75% back (never ever thought I'd be grateful to be smelling my cats' litter box). Breathlessness and fatigue continue to plague me. I have asthma and damage from pneumonia from last year, so it's not an easy recovery. I'm just thankful that the vaccine did it's job, and kept me out of the hospital.

[Elle81]

Sorry about your cousin, Dreamer.
I'm about as back to normal as I think I'm going to be for awhile. My sense of taste is back to normal, and my sense of smell is about 75% back (never ever thought I'd be grateful to be smelling my cats' litter box). Breathlessness and fatigue continue to plague me. I have asthma and damage from pneumonia from last year, so it's not an easy recovery. I'm just thankful that the vaccine did it's job, and kept me out of the hospital.

Does mean you are a Covid "Long Hauler"? Oh AG, I am so sorry! :hug:

[AlreadyGone95]

Does mean you are a Covid "Long Hauler"? Oh AG, I am so sorry! :hug:

I honestly don't know. I'm going to set up a check up with my regular doctor tomorrow as a precaution and to have it documented in my medical records. (I didn't go to him when I was sick because I did everything they told me to do if I got it, and I started getting better a week after I tested positive).

[Elle81]

I honestly don't know. I'm going to set up a check up with my regular doctor tomorrow as a precaution and to have it documented in my medical records. (I didn't go to him when I was sick because I did everything they told me to do if I got it, and I started getting better a week after I tested positive).

That's good you're going to see your regular doctor. ​Better safe than sorry.

[Glennsallnighter]

Dreamer I am so sorry to hear of your cousins passing. Please send on my sympathy to your family. I hope 2022 is the year we finally kick the butt of the virus and that its deathly trail comes to an end.

Schools here have returned but not to full capacity and the atmosphere is nervous.

We had our highest daily amount of cases today at over 26,000.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Thanks to everyone for your condolences on the loss of my cousin. I appreciate all of your kind words and thoughts.

[groupie2686]

My condolences for your cousin, Dreamer.

[CAinOH]

Well, this was a surprise. After two vaccinations and a booster, I really didn't expect to get tested positive for Covid today. Maybe not all that surprised, since about everyone else in the office has tested positive (all vaccinated). If it weren't for Covid, I would swear I have strep throat, but the 100.1 degree temp sealed it.

Getting tested was a bit surreal. Ohio has the National Guard helping first responders. In this area (since tests aren't available anywhere), you drive to the old fairgrounds in Dayton, stay in the line of cars where the National Guard people help you fill out paperwork, pay the fee (since my doctor office wouldn't answer the damn phone so I could get a paper saying I need a test), then perform the test. It was all quite efficient and really didn't take long considering the length of the line... but the military presence made it a bit surreal.

I already feel better. My throat isn't nearly as sore. But, working from home at least for the next 4 days. Woo hoo... not.

So sorry to hear about your relative, Dreamer... this is still a deadly virus. "What doesn't kill you mutates and tries again."

[Ive always been a dreamer]

... this is still a deadly virus. "What doesn't kill you mutates and tries again."

CA - That quote is so true and that is what scares me. I'm sorry to hear that you contracted Covid, but hope you are okay now. Thank goodness you were vaccinated and boosted. It really does matter!

[AlreadyGone95]

I made a doctor's appointment for both covid checkup, only to have it canceled because my doctor caught covid-19. I've got to wait a few weeks before I can see him again. I saw my allergist for a regular checkup last week, and he diagnosed me with a post covid sinus/upper respiratory infection. I still haven't fully recovered my sense of smell.

[FreyFollower]

So sorry for those who have lost people or who are themselves ill. Wishing good health to everyone!

[WalshFan88]

Dreamer, I'm so very sorry for your loss.

AG95, I'm so glad you are doing better. Take care.

CA, I'm glad your symptoms are mild. Sounds like the vaccine is doing as it should to keep you from anything more than what you've experienced.

I can't believe there is so much fear around the vaccine still. It's sad how politicized it's become and that it's still being downplayed by certain groups of people. The vaccine works, it saves lives, and it is certainly safe. Unless you have a legitimate allergy to an ingredient in the vaccines, there is no reason not to get them. They prevent infection and if you have a rare breakthrough infection, they certainly will work to keep you out of the hospital and off of a ventilator in the ICU. Unfortunately, the more mutations away from the original strain, the vaccines will struggle to completely prevent infection, but will still help to avoid severe infection. Had everyone got the vax during the original variant, Delta and Omicron wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be having any breakthrough infections. I hope an updated vaccine from Pfizer and Moderna become available that covers both Delta and Omicron and additional boosting for the original variant. So I get a little perturbed when I hear people say breakthrough infections mean the vaccine doesn't work. 2 things. 1 - had everyone been vaxxed for the original variant that the vax was covering, it would have prevented breakthrough infections. 2 - it still works wonders for keeping you out of the hospital and giving you only mild symptoms. It would have been far worse if you hadn't been vaxxed. The lie about most people only having mild symptoms is a lie. It would have been much worse if they hadn't been vaxxed and those who haven't been all have worse symptoms than that. Sure, not all go to the hospital, but most if they are honest would say it's worse than any flu or cold they have ever had. If not, they have an agenda to try to keep you from the real story. Sadly, I know someone locally who almost died of COVID who is so in the pockets of a certain public figure he will tell you it's overhyped and overblown and it's "totally not that bad". Scary to think of the brainwashing to be so strong to make someone deny their own near-death experience. Just so scary.

[AlreadyGone95]

I'm still not sure if I've fully recovered from Covid or if I'm going to have permanent issues/long covid. The fatigue and shortness of breathe is the worst. Some days I struggle just doing the normal daily stuff (work days are really rough). My heart has also been acting up. I take medicine for tachycardia, and covid has caused me to have more issues and chest angina. I have a regular check up with my cardiologist in a week, so hopefully, he'll run some tests or something. I haven't been able to reschedule my doctor's appointment yet, but I'm going to try to tomorrow.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

:pray: that you will have a complete recovery and feel better soon, AG.

[WalshFan88]

I'm glad to see things doing a little better in the US regarding COVID. However, I'm concerned that a new variant could relapse us back into the thick of it. I have mixed feelings on the lessened restrictions - I just think it's still best for now for masks to be worn and being smart about things. I'm definitely wearing a mask in public for the forseeable future.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

I'm still wearing masks as well, Austin, since I am still caring for my ill sister. Even though I'd much prefer to throw them away, I guess I'll be wearing them indefinitely.

[WalshFan88]

I'm still wearing masks as well, Austin, since I am still caring for my ill sister. Even though I'd much prefer to throw them away, I guess I'll be wearing them indefinitely.

Same!

I think a lot of the anti-mask/anti-vax crowd think we love wearing masks regardless and want to wear them for virtue signaling. Nope, but we want to stay safe and do the right thing to keep others just as safe.

[WalshFan88]

I was reading this whole thread over the last couple days from post 1 until now.

I made this comment on March 18, 2020, right after it all started and there was only a couple hundred deaths here. I had factual evidence that it was a serious problem that *could* spiral further out of control, but I'll admit a lot of it was hypothesis and trying to make an educated guess as to what could happen. But I was confident in my views.


I feel like like this time period will be an exclamation point in the world history book. Time will tell, but I don't have a good feeling about this whole thing.

I was unfortunately right. Very right. Almost a clairvoyance. I just had a gut feeling that I was very sure of myself about and I was right. I'm not always right, but I doubled down on COVID being a history maker and it was. Make no mistake, COVID will forever be in the history books along with things like the African Ebola outbreak, the plague, etc.

I hope we get closer to C19 being an endemic and we can get more and more people vaccinated and boosted and we can stop this. We are almost at 1 million deaths in the US alone. I hope we learn from our mistakes and that those deniers will not make the same mistakes twice. But who am I kidding - they still like to downplay it. Bash the vaccine, bash mask wearing as weakness, call the people taking it seriously cult members, etc, saying death numbers were inflated for money, saying it was created on purpose, attacking the experts, etc. So many people will have learned nothing from this. And we know history repeats itself if that is the case. We will hopefully have a better President in office when the next pandemic happens and he/she and their followers don't make it a political game like the last guy did. Hopefully it never will happen, but I think it's a given that at some point in the history of mankind, another one will come along. Maybe not in my or those reading this's lifetime but it will. And I just hope the people alive in that time are smarter people.

[New Kid In Town]

Hi Austin - how are you doing ? JMHO but I don't count on people learning from this. People are creatures of habit and fall back to old behaviors. Here in NJ almost 80 % of the people are vaccinated but appear to be covid weary. Although I wear a mask all the time and it is still required on all public transportation and in some stores, a lot of people are no longer wearing masks. The last couple of weeks cases have increased again - there were 1,400 new cases yesterday. Covid is here to stay and I think it is just a matter of time until we have the next surge in new cases.

[UndertheWire]

In the UK we seem to have a "new normal". Nearly all restrictions have been lifted and although a lot of people are still wearing masks in shops, a lot aren't. Testing is no longer free. It also seems like every day someone I know has Covid. The most recent statistics showed around 1 in 13 currently had Covid. I was one of them. I went into the office for the first time in two years and a week later I was testing positive. I was triple-vaccinated which is no doubt why it was mild and more like a moderate cold with a three-day headache. Now I'm on the other side, I'm feeling relieved and less worried. I'm still going to wear a good (equivalent of N95) mask in shops and avoid crowds.

One thing I've learned is that a negative lateral-flow test doesn't mean you don't have Covid. I had a sore throat but tested negative on a lateral flow. As my husband's LF was positive, I did a PCR test straight afterwards and it came back positive. My sister had dinner with friends who claimed to "just have a cold" and to have tested negative but two days later they tested positive. With the current varient (Omicron B2) it seems like the symptoms (which are similar to a common cold) come before the LF can detect the infection.

If you are not already fully-vaccinated, my recommedation is to get it done asap. You may still get infected but it's highly probable it will prevent you becoming seriously ill.

[WalshFan88]

Hi Austin - how are you doing ? JMHO but I don't count on people learning from this. People are creatures of habit and fall back to old behaviors. Here in NJ almost 80 % of the people are vaccinated but appear to be covid weary. Although I wear a mask all the time and it is still required on all public transportation and in some stores, a lot of people are no longer wearing masks. The last couple of weeks cases have increased again - there were 1,400 new cases yesterday. Covid is here to stay and I think it is just a matter of time until we have the next surge in new cases.

Hi! I'm doing ok, hanging in there.

And I completely agree. It's going to keep happening until become stop being people. Like my endocrinologist said quite bluntly recently during an appointment when we were discussing when to do my upcoming 4th shot/booster. He said humans are supposed to be the most intelligent of all animals but yet we rarely show it or exert more brainpower than a gorilla. He also had some strong words for doctors and nurses who are COVID deniers or people who join up with political figures to downplay it and trash their own people. He said just because they have an MD or RN after their name doesn't make them right, doesn't mean they are as smart as you'd think, and basically that those that are spreading misinformation, downplaying COVID, and buddying up to the last President - were stabbing their profession in the back and they are a stain. God do I love him. :lol:

[WalshFan88]

If you are not already fully-vaccinated, my recommedation is to get it done asap. You may still get infected but it's highly probable it will prevent you becoming seriously ill.

Amen, UtW.

I think the number of people who are vaccinated that are catching it are lower than the anti-vax crowd professes, but even if there are some stray breakthrough infections, almost no one is going to be getting seriously sick, ventilated, and die from it. Especially if you've had a full set and continue to get boosted as needed. The amount of side effects with these vaccines are also way overblown but I knew that was coming. At some point the narrative had to be that you'll still get sick or you'll die/become infertile/be traceable/etc if you get the shots. It was no longer enough just to say I don't want it. They had to create a ton of conspiracies just like they did about numerous other things.

[UndertheWire]

Everyone I know who has caught it recently has been fully vaccinated... but then probably most people I know have been fully vaccinated! It's one of those statistical quirks that the majority of people in a highly-vaccinated population who get Covid will have been vaccinated.