Will you take the Pfizer Covid Vaccine?

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We just finished a nurse group Zoom Mtg. We were asked how we felt about taking the covid vaccine per the school Supt. Wow, didn't expect that on a Monday. The school nurse? Wow, it's like your life flashes before your eyes for the present and for the future. You think about your family, this job, and your potential risks. Risks, I barely know the covid-19 contact risks. Vaccine. What's in it? There was the trial of 40k and I think 6 people died. I heard 2 had gotten Bell's Palsy or something. I don't know enough about it. Most of us said we'll wait. I heard the White House suddenly decided that they would wait as well. Now, look-a-hear, why would they wait? They don't usually step back to let others eat first. I'm just trying to lay all the cards out on the table. Also, there was mention of us administering the vaccine to students. Students? I feel the parent should be present for such a controversial rushed vaccine don't you? What are your thoughts? Will you take it? Will it be the lesser evil? Undecided for now. 

Specializes in pediatrics, School LVN.
On 1/5/2021 at 7:28 AM, BrisketRN said:

I'm not in California, but my city totally forgot about our school nurses.  I'm connected with a lot of our nearby school nurses via an email chain.  One nurse found out that a local pharmacy was giving vaccines for EMS/fire/police and phoned them.  They said they'd give to anyone with a nursing license.  We all showed up the next day and got the pfizer vaccine.  It takes some investigation sometimes! Sad, but true.  Be the squeaky wheel until you get an answer!

Thank you Brisket, I have called a local pharmacy that is supposed to have vaccine, they said they are only contracting with long term care facilities. I will continue to make calls and send emails, hopefully I'll be able to get vaccinated sooner rather than later.

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Specializes in School LVN, Peds HH.
On 1/4/2021 at 11:08 AM, Glitternurse said:

I am an LVN in California. I really would like to get the vaccine, but nobody can tell me where to get it. I have spoken  to the BVNPT and the dept of health. The only answer I got was speak to your employer. When I stated that my employer is a school district, the board told me, well we just aren't handling it, and the dept of health told me they are not providing vaccines and I need to talk to my employer. I am very frustrated. It seems nobody in the state planned for healthcare workers that don't work in a medical facility. If any other CA school nurses have received the vaccine. I would love some advice.

I'm an LVN working in a Ca school. Best we've heard, is that we may get lumped into the PHD staff tier, but nothing concrete. One of the district RN's is advocating for us. I wish we definitively knew! 

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Specializes in School Nursing.
On 1/4/2021 at 2:08 PM, Glitternurse said:

I am an LVN in California. I really would like to get the vaccine, but nobody can tell me where to get it. I have spoken  to the BVNPT and the dept of health. The only answer I got was speak to your employer. When I stated that my employer is a school district, the board told me, well we just aren't handling it, and the dept of health told me they are not providing vaccines and I need to talk to my employer. I am very frustrated. It seems nobody in the state planned for healthcare workers that don't work in a medical facility. If any other CA school nurses have received the vaccine. I would love some advice.

Do you have a coordinator? Ask at that level. I’m a school nurse and we are getting vaccinated at the health department which was coordinated by our school division. 

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Specializes in pediatrics, School LVN.
16 hours ago, beachynurse said:

Do you have a coordinator? Ask at that level. I’m a school nurse and we are getting vaccinated at the health department which was coordinated by our school division. 

Unfortunately it's just the CSN and myself, I spoke to her, but she is as much in the dark as I am. The health dept just said to contact my employer, that educators are phase 1B, and they are not giving vaccines at this time. I have called several pharmacies and they either have not received the vaccine yet or they are only contracting with LTC facilities. I have emailed my state rep (who happens to be a doctor), and I am attending a community webinar with the health dept, so I will try to get clarification, and more information. I just feel like I'm hitting roadblock after roadblock.

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Specializes in pediatrics, School LVN.
20 hours ago, raekaylvn said:

I'm an LVN working in a Ca school. Best we've heard, is that we may get lumped into the PHD staff tier, but nothing concrete. One of the district RN's is advocating for us. I wish we definitively knew! 

I really believe school nurses were not thought of or considered by anybody. The only answers I got was to contact my employer and educators are in 1B. I tried to explain that we do many of the same procedures we would do in home health or ambulatory clinics, got me nowhere. I feel like they just don't want to deal with it, so I am being blown off.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, school nursing.

My director was able to partner with a local clinic last week, and they offered 80 doses of the Moderna vaccine to the nurses, clinic aides, and athletic trainers in my district.  There were also a couple of police officers and district admin who received it after they weren't able to fill all of the slots with medical personnel. My arm was sore and I was tired for a couple of days, but that is all that I experienced. 

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Looks like I am getting the Moderna Tomorrow - I just got the call!

 

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Specializes in pediatrics, school nursing.
On 1/4/2021 at 2:08 PM, Glitternurse said:

I am an LVN in California. I really would like to get the vaccine, but nobody can tell me where to get it. I have spoken  to the BVNPT and the dept of health. The only answer I got was speak to your employer. When I stated that my employer is a school district, the board told me, well we just aren't handling it, and the dept of health told me they are not providing vaccines and I need to talk to my employer. I am very frustrated. It seems nobody in the state planned for healthcare workers that don't work in a medical facility. If any other CA school nurses have received the vaccine. I would love some advice.

Is there a California School Nurse Association? I would reach out to them!! Or even just the California Nurse's Association. Even if you're not a member, they should hopefully be able to point you in some better direction...

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
On 1/4/2021 at 8:50 AM, ruby_jane said:

Got my Hanukkah wish - I was Tier 1 for Moderna (not the Pfizer product) and got the first vaccine January 31. Stick it to 2020, Moderna vaccine.

The majority of our school nurses who've had the vaccine report limited side effects. I had the expected soreness at the site for 24 hours and then nothing else (knock on wood)!!

My employer provided the Moderna vaccine beginning this week. I got the first dose on Wednesday. I have had no soreness and no flu-like symptoms. The second dose is due on or about February 3.

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Specializes in pediatrics, School LVN.
5 hours ago, k1p1ssk said:

Is there a California School Nurse Association? I would reach out to them!! Or even just the California Nurse's Association. Even if you're not a member, they should hopefully be able to point you in some better direction...

Thank you, I will try that. I am not a member so I hadn't thought of that. I appreciate the thoughts and advice I have recwived.

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Specializes in School nursing.

One step closer - I've been told I can go to a first responder site for vaccination. BUT, still need to be told which one and what documentation I need to prove I qualify as a school nurse taking part in COVID testing. Hoping that loop is closed soon. Now that I know I qualify, I'm getting antsy :).

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
2 hours ago, JenTheSchoolRN said:

One step closer - I've been told I can go to a first responder site for vaccination. BUT, still need to be told which one and what documentation I need to prove I qualify as a school nurse taking part in COVID testing. Hoping that loop is closed soon. Now that I know I qualify, I'm getting antsy :).

What state are you in?

 

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