Post Vaccination Behavior

[twaddle]

We will *never* be bulletproof, but at some point, you're going to be more willing to accept the risk.

 

[explanade]

I would be willing to travel this year if we're allowed into some of these countries -- most of them are way behind in vaccinations compared to the US so that may not happen.

But if it means for instance, takeouts, reduced restaurant hours and closures of many indoor venues like museums and such, I'd accept that trade off and still spend some money.

 

[Katsmeow]

The vaccine isn't a get out of jail free card. It doesn't mean you can resume all of your normal activities or stop wearing a mask and distancing. You are still at risk of catching it. You are still at risk of transmitting it to others. You're less likely to get seriously ill, but that's really the main benefit as far as we know right now.

I guess it depends on what is meant by normal activities. Once two weeks passing from my 2nd shot (got it today), I will undertake some normal activities. The mammogram I would have normally gotten 2 months ago, I can now schedule. I can go into Target to buy the one product that only they carry in this area and it can't be bought curbside. I won't spend the day leisurely shopping but I can walk in, find an item and buy it. The friend whose household has been fully vaccinated who also never goes out except to do pickup. I will visit her. Maybe I will get my hair cut (haven't been to a hairdresser in a year).

Those aren't all my normal activities. But, I have put off tons of things like that for a year. And with being fully vaccinated, yes, I will do them. I won't go to concerts, or go eat in a restaurant, or go to a bar (which I never did anyway) right now. But I do feel I can go to some of these other places I avoided for a year.

 

[audreyh1]

Guess I’m trying to understand what the unfortunate outcome was. In his post he said someone with the vaccine later got Covid. But no description of severity. If he got an asymptomatic case of Covid then I say ‘so what’. Sounds pretty bulletproof to me.

If vaccines don’t solve this thing called Covid then what the heck will? I’m fully vaccinated and I feel pretty bulletproof when it comes to Covid. That is, as bulletproof as one can feel about anything I suppose. It’s almost like lots of folks don’t really want this to end...paging Dr. Fauci.

It is not yet known how much the vaccine reduces transmission. That’s why people are asked to continue to take precautions. Bulletproof would be complete immunity and not able to infect someone else.

Reduced chances of getting Covid and very low chances of hospitalization or death is is huge improvement compared to no vaccine.

 

[disneysteve]

Guess I’m trying to understand what the unfortunate outcome was. In his post he said someone with the vaccine later got Covid. But no description of severity. If he got an asymptomatic case of Covid then I say ‘so what’. Sounds pretty bulletproof to me.

If vaccines don’t solve this thing called Covid then what the heck will? I’m fully vaccinated and I feel pretty bulletproof when it comes to Covid. That is, as bulletproof as one can feel about anything I suppose. It’s almost like lots of folks don’t really want this to end...paging Dr. Fauci.

The person in question ended up in the hospital with chest pain. That's where the COVID diagnosis was made. So no, not asymptomatic. They are now out of work for 10 days and their spouse is quarantined and out of work as well (she hasn't been vaccinated and is 10 years older and at higher risk).


Vaccines will help solve COVID, but not until the vast majority of the population has been vaccinated. Right now, about 13% of the US has had at least one dose and only 6% has had both doses. We're not even close.

 

[ivinsfan]

The person in question ended up in the hospital with chest pain. That's where the COVID diagnosis was made. So no, not asymptomatic. They are now out of work for 10 days and their spouse is quarantined and out of work as well (she hasn't been vaccinated and is 10 years older and at higher risk).


Vaccines will help solve COVID, but not until the vast majority of the population has been vaccinated. Right now, about 13% of the US has had at least one dose and only 6% has had both doses. We're not even close.

They had chest pain and while being treated tested positive for Covid. Do they have classic Covid symptoms. Current Covid numbers don't seem to support your last paragraph.

 

[Alan]

Up until the start of February our son was in our “family bubble” as he lives alone and close by, and wasn’t going into work. 3 weeks ago he started a new job and has been going into the office so we have been isolating from him. In 3 weeks time we will confident in being with him outside in our gardens, socially distanced.

 

[Philliefan33]

I am at ten days post Moderna #2 and while my behavior hasn’t changed (still masking, etc) my comfort level has.

Yesterday there were two instances where I had to interact with people wearing their mask on their neck, not covering their face at all. Previous to my second vaccination I would have either asked them to pull up their mask or, if it were a short interaction, just uneasily powered through. Today I just did my business knowing that I am almost as immune as I’m going to get, and it’s the other person’s problem to not be masked.

Because it’s my duty to protect our clients, I have to be the mask police at my summer job and my volunteer activity. It’s nice to not feel the need to be the mask police everywhere I go.

 

[Ronstar]

...The vaccine isn't a get out of jail free card. It doesn't mean you can resume all of your normal activities or stop wearing a mask and distancing. You are still at risk of catching it. You are still at risk of transmitting it to others. You're less likely to get seriously ill, but that's really the main benefit as far as we know right now.

That's the way I see it. I'm getting my 2nd dose soon, but I'm not going to change my behavior. Still going to wear a mask and/or distance myself from people. I see the vaccine only as a means to reduce severity of illness if I'm infected by Covid.

 

[Mark1]

DW and I have been pretty cautious, so our behavior will change significantly after our second shot.

- Will go around vaccinated friends in an unmasked state (ride in cars or visit inside homes, etc.).
- Will go into stores and not be in a huge hurry to get our stuff and get out.
-Will start going into restaurants again for indoor dining (might have to work up to this one).
- Will start hiking busier trials again and will only step off the trail when meeting other hikers on the trail (will carry mask, but will only mask-up if they do).
- Will start biking on bike paths completely unmasked while riding.

I would prefer to wait until COVID is completely over to take some of these risk, but I personally believe COVID outbreaks will continue within the US for many more years. We will continue to mask in public until everyone in the US that wants a shot has gotten one. To do otherwise would be rude IMO.

 

[cathy63]

The vaccinators at the site I volunteer at always fill it in, and they do correct it if the patient changes his mind. I don't know if it's just because it's a required field in the Epic charting system they use, or if it's a best practice for all vaccines. I'll ask tomorrow (assuming we get enough Moderna vaccine to actually open the site).

So I did ask a couple of nurses why they record which arm gets the shot. They said they always record the injection site for all vaccines. It's just part of their usual record-keeping process. They've never seen anyone refer back to it, and that would be practically impossible for covid vaccines since most people who come through aren't regular patients of UC Health anyway.

 

[Alan]

So I did ask a couple of nurses why they record which arm gets the shot. They said they always record the injection site for all vaccines. It's just part of their usual record-keeping process.

When we were vaccinated together we sat in front of someone who asked us a load of questions, entering the answers into the laptop in front of her. She asked which arm we each wanted then waved over a nurse to administer the vaccine and told her which arm. I did ask why she recorded which arm and she said that it was a required field that had to be entered on the screen.

The sheet we were given to take with us had all the info to read on the vaccine including side effects plus a website to report any unusual or extreme side effects, plus a phone number if preferred.

 

[twaddle]

I assume everybody signed up on that website, right?

Apparently there's been very spotty distribution of those fliers, so not nearly as much data on adverse reactions as there should be.

 

[ivinsfan]

I assume everybody signed up on that website, right?

Apparently there's been very spotty distribution of those fliers, so not nearly as much data on adverse reactions as there should be.

I would say on the severe reaction side, they get reported by every newspaper in the country...

 

[Chuckanut]

So I did ask a couple of nurses why they record which arm gets the shot. They said they always record the injection site for all vaccines. It's just part of their usual record-keeping process. They've never seen anyone refer back to it, and that would be practically impossible for covid vaccines since most people who come through aren't regular patients of UC Health anyway.

Thank you cathy63.

OK, I did some research and here is one reason I managed to drag up. This may be pure nonsense and any medical types should feel free to say so.

It seems when we get vaccinated or injured, 'bad' things enter our body, and the body remembers the entry point. It leaves some cells there as guards. In the event an injury occurs there again, these cells raise the alarm sooner and start fighting back. The idea of injecting the vaccine again into the same arm is to train this type of cell to be especially sensitive to corona virus and thus increase our ability to fight it off sooner than later.

OK, It sounds reasonable, but maybe it is complete nonsense.

The other reason is legal. If I'm injected in the left shoulder and two days later my right shoulder acts up, it's harder to claim the injection did the damage. This seems more likely.

Back on topic, Now that I am fully injected (though not yet fully protected, that will take a few more weeks) I am going to mask up and make a quick stop at a local craft brewery that makes a very good dark pilsner beer that has become one of my favorites.

 

[twaddle]

I would say on the severe reaction side, they get reported by every newspaper in the country...

You don't have to wait for the papers. You can generate your own report. But there's surprisingly little data due to low compliance.

https://vaers.hhs.gov/data.html

 

[AtlasShrugged]

Guess I’m trying to understand what the unfortunate outcome was. In his post he said someone with the vaccine later got Covid. But no description of severity. If he got an asymptomatic case of Covid then I say ‘so what’. Sounds pretty bulletproof to me.

If vaccines don’t solve this thing called Covid then what the heck will? I’m fully vaccinated and I feel pretty bulletproof when it comes to Covid. That is, as bulletproof as one can feel about anything I suppose. It’s almost like lots of folks don’t really want this to end...paging Dr. Fauci.

Muir,

For what it's worth, I get the same sense as you. Some people seem to want Covid to continue indefinitely.

I don't want to get covid and take common sense measures to prevent it. Generally speaking, a little common sense goes a long way. I intend to live my life as normally as possible. I am infinitely more concerned about becoming fearful as I age. I am unwilling to give up living for a year or two for this virus. If I get it, I get it. Time is irreplaceable.

I'm currently sitting on a grand jury in Massachusetts, but the judge gave me permission to take a previously scheduled vacation. So, I'm in Florida on vacation as I write this. As I look around me, I am encouraged to see so many people living life as normally as possible.

I may or may not get the vaccine. At 66, I'd rather give up my dosage to people who need or want it more.

 

[MuirWannabe]

Muir,



For what it's worth, I get the same sense as you. Some people seem to want Covid to continue indefinitely.



I don't want to get covid and take common sense measures to prevent it. Generally speaking, a little common sense goes a long way. I intend to live my life as normally as possible. I am infinitely more concerned about becoming fearful as I age. I am unwilling to give up living for a year or two of my life for this virus. If I get it, I get it. Time is irreplaceable.



I'm currently sitting on a grand jury in Massachusetts, but the judge gave me permission to take a previously scheduled vacation. So, I'm in Florida on vacation as I write this. As I look around me, I am encouraged to see so many people living life as normally as possible.



I may or may not get the vaccine. At 66, I'd rather give up my dosage to people who need or want it more.

I appreciate your response. I’d encourage you to go ahead and get the vaccine if you’re so inclined. You deserve it as much as others.

 

[disneysteve]

Regarding why we record where we give an injection, it's for tracking purposes. As Chuckanut said, if you get a shot in your left arm and show up 2 days later with right arm pain, the provider needs to know if that's where the shot was given. Patients forget. Patients lie. If it's not documented, there's no way to know for sure.


As for people wanting COVID to last forever, I can't imagine why anybody would want this mess to go on a day more than necessary. I can't wait to get back to normal, be able to travel, be able to eat out, not have to wear a mask, be able to hug people. At work, having to constantly get in and out of PPE to see patients is a pain in the butt. We'll be thrilled when that stops being needed. If somebody wants this to last, there's something wrong with them.

 

[twaddle]

If somebody wants this to last, there's something wrong with them.

No traffic. Everybody outside exercising. People seem to like working from home. No more flu season!

So, yeah, wipe out the virus, but I will miss some aspects of the pandemic.

 

[MichaelB]

Apparently there's been very spotty distribution of those fliers, so not nearly as much data on adverse reactions as there should be.

We’ve tried to keep these COVID discussions fact based, so this type of observation really needs support from a legitimate source.

 

[twaddle]

We’ve tried to keep these COVID discussions fact based, so this type of observation really needs support from a legitimate source.

What would you like? You can compare the number of respondents in the database link I posted to the number of vaccinations given. It's not a huge deal -- there is data. I can probably find specific articles bemoaning the varied quality of implementation at vaccination sites, too, but it's pretty well known, no?

I am still curious about local compliance and experience of forum members, though. Anecdotes, I know.

 

[Chuckanut]

Muir,

For what it's worth, I get the same sense as you. Some people seem to want Covid to continue indefinitely.

I don't want to get covid and take common sense measures to prevent it. Generally speaking, a little common sense goes a long way. I intend to live my life as normally as possible. I am infinitely more concerned about becoming fearful as I age. I am unwilling to give up living for a year or two for this virus. If I get it, I get it. Time is irreplaceable.

Personally, I am an age that every year of my life I give up to this virus is a rather large percentage of my remaining life. So, I won't give them up easily. When this CV mess started I decided to cancel many plans and give up one year to sheltering near home. Hopefully, my sacrifice would allow the younger and less vulnerable people to keep our society functioning well. I think that happened. If there were serious restrictions or problems after a year, I would reconsider how to best protect myself while making best use of my time. I had no desire to die early or be a long hauler. I bet a year. So far I think it was a good bet.

In regards to people who seem to want CV to go on longer, I think there may be some degree of truth to that. For some people, CV has become their shtick, what makes them important, what gives them recognition and attention. They may not even realize it, but they benefit in some psychological and perhaps monetary way from having people flock to them for news, advice and permission. So, when we hear about a vaccine that is 95% effective, we then hear much more loudly about variants that might neutralize the vaccine. And the vaccine might not prevent infecting others. Or it might trigger more dangerous variants. Are we not to be permitted some optimism about our future? It makes me wonder.

I don't think any of the above is part of some great conspiracy, it's just part of human nature. Overall, our society seems to be doing a good job of balancing it all.

My 2¢. Take what you wish and leave the rest.

 

[MichaelB]

What would you like? You can compare the number of respondents in the database link I posted to the number of vaccinations given. It's not a huge deal -- there is data. I can probably find specific articles bemoaning the varied quality of implementation at vaccination sites, too, but it's pretty well known, no?

I am still curious about local compliance and experience of forum members, though. Anecdotes, I know.

This FAQ sticky in the COVID forum is a great place to start. https://www.early-retirement.org/fo...ovid-19-topics-readme-102567.html#post2385979

We’ve made an effort to ensure the COVID forum is fact based and helpful for our community. If you’re going to assert there are averse reactions to the vaccine that are not reported, a legitimate source lends credence and allows for thoughtful response.

 

[twaddle]

I'm a little confused. There are clearly adverse reactions that go unreported, but that wasn't the main point. The point was that the CDC *tries* to collect a lot of data. Every one of us was supposed to see the flier mentioned by Alan and sign up. I did, but a lot of people didn't.

This is not a huge concern in terms of what we can expect from the vaccine. There is probably *sufficient* data, but the effort to collect was a bit ad hoc and inefficient.

In case anybody is still confused, this is what I'm talking about:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/vaccines/safety/v-safe-info-sheet.JPG