COVID-19: The Vaccine, A Thoughtful Post and When Can I See My Grandkids?

By Tim E. Renzelmann (January 12, 2021)

Many are asking when they will be able to receive their first dose of the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website (as of January 4, 2021): “We are in Phase 1A of the vaccine prioritization guidelines. Right now, in the early weeks of Phase 1A, the few doses we have are available to frontline health care providers and skilled nursing facility staff and residents. As vaccine supply increases, other health care personnel and long-term care facility residents and staff will be offered COVID-19 vaccination. We expect that it will take several months to vaccinate everyone eligible in Phase 1A.”

Read more at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-about.htm

Many front-line healthcare workers are currently receiving their first and second doses. My eldest stepdaughter, Jennifer Duncan (photo above/top), received her first dose last week and posted this thoughtful message on her Facebook page that I thought was worth sharing:

I miss seeing family.  I miss seeing friends.  I miss not feeling anxious going to work at a hospital every day.  I miss hugs/high fives, recreational sports, playgrounds, restaurants, concerts, family vacations, and so so much  more.

I got mine to get those things back.

I feel privileged to have gotten the chance to receive this vaccine.  It will help me better protect my patients and loved ones.  Throughout the day, I couldn't help but think of those who aren't able to see this, that lost their lives to this awful virus.

I got mine for them, in memory of them, lives lost too soon.

BUT this isn't over yet as not everyone has had this opportunity.  Please, if not for yourself than for others who are at risk - continue to wear your mask, social distance, and don't gather with others outside of your household/bubble.  I get it, it's exhausting, lonely, and getting old but it's the best way out of this.

Trust. the. science. and all those who have devoted their lives to studying it to keep us healthy/safe.

Do it for all those things you miss.

Here are a few articles that may help us better understand where we are at and where we are headed with regards to COVID-19 including the strengths and weaknesses of the vaccine and recommended precautions moving forward.

This article explains why, even after we are vaccinated, we still need to practice social-distancing and wear a mask. It reminds us, “Yes, Moderna and Pfizer reported that their shots are 94.5% and 95% effective, respectively. But that efficacy refers to the vaccines’ ability to protect against COVID-19 disease—and not necessarily against infection with the virus.”

“Yes, We Have COVID-19 Vaccines That Are 95% Effective. But That Doesn’t Mean the End of the Pandemic is Near”

By Alice Park, Time

https://time.com/5913113/covid-19-vaccine/

The title of this next article caught my attention because I, like many of you, miss spending time with Jennifer’s two beautiful children (and my grand-children), Lily and Henry (pictured above/bottom), as well as so many other family and friends!

In this article (that includes an informative video), Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor at George Washington Institute School of Public Health will tell you when her children will see their grandparents and will offer answers to these important questions:

When does the vaccine give you protection after you're vaccinated? How much protection does it offer?

Once an older adult has received the second dose, and it's been three weeks, can they visit their grandchildren?

What's the point of the vaccine if I still have to quarantine before seeing people?

What is it going to take for us to be able to socialize as we did before Covid-19?

How vaccinated grandparents should approach visiting loved ones now -- advice from Dr. Wen

By Katia Hetter, CNN

https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/10/health/grandparents-visits-covid-19-vaccine-wellnesss/index.html