COVID Vaccine: False sense of security or green light?
After perusing the posts I have seen much discussion about getting the COVID-19 vaccine/or not. This isn't one of those posts. I wanted to have a discussion with those who DID get the vaccine.
My parents cried, they were so elated to finally get the vaccine. "We can finally not worry anymore and have the whole family over!" My Mom said this with such enthusiasm and it was the first time over the last 10 months she seemed carefree. I wanted to immediately correct her since she had this "I am untouchable now I got the vaccine" way of thinking but I will let her revel in it until the 2nd Vaccine. Instead, I politely reminded her full immunity comes a week or so after the 2nd shot. If she starts planning an Easter party, I may need to have a discussion sooner.
I thought to myself, how many people are thinking this way? Is this much anticipated, solution to our problems vaccine giving too many of us a false sense of security? (Of course, I'm exaggerating a little) After experiencing a similar emotion after my 2nd injection I sort of understand. I had a moment when I thought this changes everything, but does it really? As a nurse I already researched the vaccine, coming to the realization we don't know enough about the vaccine, and we can't to go back to regular life. I had to mourn the loss of my old life just like everyone else. Had to go thru the 5 stages of grief. The stages went something like this-
1-Denial
This isn't happening! Covid Must be like another flu. (Boy were we wrong)
2- Anger
Stay at Home! Can't tell me what to do...what, everything is closed...guess I will just stay home then.
3-Bargaining- Viva Las Vegas
If I just wear my mask, stay far apart then my 2020 Vegas trip will be just like before...nope, not the same. Life just is not the same.
4-Depression
My kids never going back to school, I am going out of my mind stuck in this house! On the super depressing side, I see patients, coworkers and friends dying. None of us have ever seen so much death. No time to dwell on this, no time to process these pesky emotions, back to work. I Will schedule appt with a therapist after all this is over... I.e. who knows when.
5- Acceptance
Not sure I have reached this one yet. Is tolerating something the same as acceptance? If so then I wavier between this stage and the last three depending on the day.
We all have our own version of this I assume. Every one of us going through this loss together but separately, not to mention the loved ones lost.
I feel encouraged by the vaccine, all the while black clouds of uncertainty loom overhead. I read things like this and feel again like we have a long road ahead.
Quote
If I get a coronavirus vaccination, do I still have to wear a mask? Physical distance?
Yes. It may take time for everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccination to get one. A vaccine that is 95% effective means that about 1 out of 20 people who get it may not have protection from getting the illness.
Also, while the vaccine may prevent you from getting sick, it is unknown at this time if you can still carry and transmit the virus to others. That is why, until more is understood about how well the vaccine works, continuing with precautions such as mask-wearing and physical distancing will be important.
What I mean is this, after I got the vaccine I felt relief knowing I am less likely to get COVID. Unfortunately, studies haven't been done yet to determine if I could still carry and transmit it. I think that's the part so many of us are forgetting, which is easy to do. Maybe they will do studies and find otherwise but until then I am considering every risk I take. Am I wearing a mask at home? Obviously not, but when my friends say to me we should go out now since I have the vaccine and my parents say come over, I think not yet. I am in the thick of this, working with COVID + patients every shift and the risk is still too great. I would rather not even think about it, any of it. Alas everywhere I turn these thoughts invade my mind, situations bring up these questions and others.
I want to get out there so badly. I was even less cautious for maybe 4 months, back when things slowed down. Part of me wants to go out with them but wear a mask and be outside? I try to rationalize that if others see their extended families, then so could I. That's when my logical side kicks in and for me, at this point it's worth waiting a little while before a family reunion. I would feel horrible if I unknowingly brought an uninvited "guest".
So, thanks for letting me say my piece (sometimes wondering off topic but will bring it full circle here?) Now that you know my inner struggle on this topic (sometimes hopeful, sometimes reality gets too real), I am wondering about others point of view who have been vaccinated, are you staying away for now or is the vaccine a green light for you to be around others? I know it's a personal choice but want to see other nurses' inner dialogue to see the reasons behind those choices.
I live in Florida, the land of no Covid restrictions. For a while now I've gone to gyms, restaurants, yoga classes and bowling. Just differently, with a mask and social distancing, and carry out or eating outside (it's Florida) and managed to avoid getting covid (tested negative for antibodies), even from patients.
Still I'm quite relieved to get the vaccine because the bullets are all around me and we still have about 10,000 cases a day and my turn was coming. I'm still doing things exactly as before with a mask and distancing.
My elderly parents got their first vaccine and after their second vaccine we'll begin to talk about getting together. I haven't seen them in a year. I have no sense of false security and will instill that in them, but will feel okay about seeing them as we're both going to be vaccinated.
I also am following social distancing, and wearing a mask, and practicing hand hygiene. At some point we have got to start living our lives again. I live in a rural farming community; not many people have Covid. Lockdowns are affecting peoples’ mental health and destroying businesses which causes people to go bankrupt, breaks up marriages and families, results in more drinking and overdoses, etc. We will not know the effects on mental health for years to come. Lockdowns, in our community, Are more deadly and dangerous than coronavirus. And preventing people from leaving their houses, by mandatory lockdowns, is a violation of our rights!
Uh-oh. Have you been listening to Fox or Q? NOBODY was prevented from leaving their houses. On the contrary, outdoor exercise was promoted for physical and mental health reasons. A pattern of intermittent "lockdowns" would have allowed for more normal activities but too many people weren't willing to even do that and spent a lot of psychic energy trashing science as an excuse not to conform to public health measures. Would be better less depressed and anxious if we were going to restaurants or gyms? That keeps everything closed longer. How does the word pandemic conjure up anything resembling healthy living?
Uh-oh. Have you been listening to Fox or Q? NOBODY was prevented from leaving their houses. On the contrary, outdoor exercise was promoted for physical and mental health reasons. A pattern of intermittent "lockdowns" would have allowed for more normal activities but too many people weren't willing to even do that and spent a lot of psychic energy trashing science as an excuse not to conform to public health measures. Would be better less depressed and anxious if we were going to restaurants or gyms? That keeps everything closed longer. How does the word pandemic conjure up anything resembling healthy living?
I too would disagree with the poster that mitigation efforts are more deadly.
I also have to say that we do have to acknowledge all the things the poster said in that marriages went sour, vulnerable people have been abused, alcoholism, business bankrupt. The toll has been great.
Would it have been better to not lock down and allow the virus to just spread? No because even with lockdowns deaths have been high and hospitals completely overwhelmed and I can't imagine what might have happened without precautions in place.
I'm still a bit traumatized at seeing our vibrant downtown empty, our bustling beach tourism industry shut down and I can't imagine how those actually in the business felt as income went to zero and they to lay off workers. (Yes, I know about the stimulus package)
It's a no win situation. A guy on my bowling team lost both of his in-laws and the toll has been great with people getting sick and dying. The toll has been great on well people suffering through the lockdown and the economic consequences, etc.. We have to acknowledge that.
I too would disagree with the poster that mitigation efforts are more deadly.
I also have to say that we do have to acknowledge all the things the poster said in that marriages went sour, vulnerable people have been abused, alcoholism, business bankrupt. The toll has been great.
Would it have been better to not lock down and allow the virus to just spread? No because even with lockdowns deaths have been high and hospitals completely overwhelmed and I can't imagine what might have happened without precautions in place.
It's a no win situation. A guy on my bowling team lost both of his in-laws and the toll has been great with people getting sick and dying. The toll has been great on well people suffering through the lockdown and the economic consequences, etc.. We have to acknowledge that.
I can relate to how your parents are feeling a sense of relief after getting the vaccine. I personally have some risk factors and work in home health but one of my client's family doesn't always take the precautions which puts all of us at risk. Also one of the aides had a positive COVID-19 test results which fortunately turned out to be a false positive because no one got COVID-19 and she had very close contact with the client and her agency didn't require her to wear a mask so she didn't wear a mask. I am convinced if she had COVID-19 the client and others in the family and other caregivers would of gotten COVID-19. During the late fall and Winter is when my asthma tends to be worse and yes, I was concerned about getting COVID-19. After getting to about 50% immunity (approximately 2 weeks after the first Pfizer dose) I noticed I wasn't as concerned about catching COVID-19. After getting the second dose I'm no longer concerned. I feel if I do catch it, it won't be a serious life threatening case. I have also worked hard in getting several family members who are in phase 1a scheduled for the vaccine and all but one has had the first dose and by the end of February they will receive the second dose. The one who hasn't had the vaccine yet is scheduled for 2/12 but he is retired and doesn't put himself at risk. So I am feeling better about my family members who have received the vaccine. My father-in-law has not really taken COVID-19 seriously but fortunately he has not caught COVID-19 yet but is physically healthy and active but is a week and a half out from his first dose so has some immunity now. My husband and I do wear masks while out and avoid large crowds and have remained healthy through out the pandemic. Even though yesterday I did wake up "fighting a bug" (sinus and fatigue related from working too much the past few weeks) which is better today but I'm not concerned that it is COVID-19. If I got these symptoms a month ago I would have been very concerned so I definitely feel the vaccine lowers the anxiety of getting COVID-19 so I personally recommend anyone who has concerns of catching COVID to get the vaccine as well as those with risk factors for complications.
I live in Florida, the land of no Covid restrictions. For a while now I've gone to gyms, restaurants, yoga classes and bowling. Just differently, with a mask and social distancing, and carry out or eating outside (it's Florida) and managed to avoid getting covid (tested negative for antibodies), even from patients.
Still I'm quite relieved to get the vaccine because the bullets are all around me and we still have about 10,000 cases a day and my turn was coming. I'm still doing things exactly as before with a mask and distancing.
My elderly parents got their first vaccine and after their second vaccine we'll begin to talk about getting together. I haven't seen them in a year. I have no sense of false security and will instill that in them, but will feel okay about seeing them as we're both going to be vaccinated.
Freedom, freedom, Freedom. To be able to live this free again. I have a feeling psychologically this is a much easier way to live.
I can relate to how your parents are feeling a sense of relief after getting the vaccine. I personally have some risk factors and work in home health but one of my client's family doesn't always take the precautions which puts all of us at risk. Also one of the aides had a positive COVID-19 test results which fortunately turned out to be a false positive because no one got COVID-19 and she had very close contact with the client and her agency didn't require her to wear a mask so she didn't wear a mask. I am convinced if she had COVID-19 the client and others in the family and other caregivers would of gotten COVID-19. During the late fall and Winter is when my asthma tends to be worse and yes, I was concerned about getting COVID-19. After getting to about 50% immunity (approximately 2 weeks after the first Pfizer dose) I noticed I wasn't as concerned about catching COVID-19. After getting the second dose I'm no longer concerned. I feel if I do catch it, it won't be a serious life threatening case. I have also worked hard in getting several family members who are in phase 1a scheduled for the vaccine and all but one has had the first dose and by the end of February they will receive the second dose. The one who hasn't had the vaccine yet is scheduled for 2/12 but he is retired and doesn't put himself at risk. So I am feeling better about my family members who have received the vaccine. My father-in-law has not really taken COVID-19 seriously but fortunately he has not caught COVID-19 yet but is physically healthy and active but is a week and a half out from his first dose so has some immunity now. My husband and I do wear masks while out and avoid large crowds and have remained healthy through out the pandemic. Even though yesterday I did wake up "fighting a bug" (sinus and fatigue related from working too much the past few weeks) which is better today but I'm not concerned that it is COVID-19. If I got these symptoms a month ago I would have been very concerned so I definitely feel the vaccine lowers the anxiety of getting COVID-19 so I personally recommend anyone who has concerns of catching COVID to get the vaccine as well as those with risk factors for complications.
Spoke to my parents yesterday and we laughed more than we have in a long time, I can see why you also felt relieved after getting the vaccine.
My hubby's also going through allergies right now, thank goodness Neg Covid. The post nasal drip cough is frustrating since there's nothing as stigmatizing as coughing right now ??.
Here’s my concern: the vaccine does not prevent you from contracting or spreading COVID, but it does lessen the sx and severity if you do get it. I see that opening up more exposure. If people get the vaccine and do contract COVID they might dismiss it as a cold or allergies because of the milder sx and won’t take necessary precautions.
We will continue to be cautious, but the vaccine is the best hope we have to return to something approaching normalcy. We have not seen my father-in-law in over a year. We saw him after Christmas 2019, but nothing since. We briefly saw my mother-in-law in July when COVID cases were very low in our state, and traveled to see her in N95s, washed hands, got COVID tested etc.
Now both of them have received the first dose of the Pfizer, and are scheduled to get the second dose later this month. Then we'll give them a few weeks to build up to full protection before seeing them. I don't know if we will all go, but my husband will definitely make the trip to see them this Spring.
With older relatives, their fragile health means we could kill them if we visit and have the virus, but they could also die from something else at any point, and we'd have missed this time together. It's very hard to know what the right thing is.
My complaint is our high-risk immediate family members can’t get the vaccine yet. I work in an office but was pulled by our healthcare system to work in a hospital and am going in and out of COVID pt rooms all day. My husband has a heart condition, type II diabetes, and is a cancer survivor. I wish he could get the vaccine because I am putting him at risk due to my current assignment, but he’s not over 65 so he doesn’t “qualify”.
Sorry to pull this from a few days ago, but do you know whether getting the Pfizer vaccine over the Moderna affects whether we can get this booster?
thanks!
FYI - Pfizer is also working on a booster. Also GSK and CureVac recently announced a partnership to develop a multi-variant vaccine.
I haven't see anything definitive published, but I don't think it matters which vaccine you got originally. The vaccine just teaches your body to recognize and respond to the virus. Once you have that immunity to the initial strain, it shouldn't matter which vaccine gave it to you; the point is you have it. The booster just teaches your body to "learn" a new strain.
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Tweety, BSN, RN
36,273 Posts
I live in Florida, the land of no Covid restrictions. For a while now I've gone to gyms, restaurants, yoga classes and bowling. Just differently, with a mask and social distancing, and carry out or eating outside (it's Florida) and managed to avoid getting covid (tested negative for antibodies), even from patients.
Still I'm quite relieved to get the vaccine because the bullets are all around me and we still have about 10,000 cases a day and my turn was coming. I'm still doing things exactly as before with a mask and distancing.
My elderly parents got their first vaccine and after their second vaccine we'll begin to talk about getting together. I haven't seen them in a year. I have no sense of false security and will instill that in them, but will feel okay about seeing them as we're both going to be vaccinated.