WE’RE VACCINATED!
It’s the fourth day since getting our life-changing second Covid-19 vaccinations. After the 15-minute required wait period at the hospital, we jumped into our car and gave each other heartfelt high fives. Being a senior in the time of coronavirus has its advantages. Our vulnerable age group is a high-priority category able to receive the vaccine in the early distribution stages. It was surreal as unexpected emotions of joy and gratitude overcame us. A new beginning, indeed.
So far, so good. We have not experienced significant side effects other than expected soreness in the areas where we got our shots. The next day I had mild chills and we both felt mild fatigue, which went away by the following morning. Let’s hope it stays that way. Others have had delayed reactions or have gotten flu-like side effects that have lasted for days.
In two to three weeks, we should be ALMOST fully-protected from getting Covid-19 – after having played it safe since last March by avoiding crowds, masking up, social distancing, and constantly washing our hands – not only to protect ourselves, but others. Dining out, our favorite pastime, has been put on hold as we opt to cook at home or buy take-out. The greatest takeaway from this is that Louie fearlessly accepted the shelter-at-home challenge to up his culinary game, which he did in spades. Like an exquisite and potent pesto only achieved by using the freshest basil that he bought at the farmer’s market. Then there was the trout he bought from a fishmonger that he cooked stove-top with herbs – that happened to catch Lola’s undivided attention.
Along with relatives and friends who have also received their second shots, we couldn’t help sharing excitement at the thought of being able to get together again. On the other hand, I learned that because the vaccines do not protect us 100%, we can still get the virus or silently transmit Covid-19 or more contagious mutations to others who are not vaccinated. The virus can hang out in nasal passageways and spread by breathing, talking, and sneezing. There is still so much to learn about the virus, the variants, and the vaccines. For that reason, we still need to protect one another by practicing what has already become second nature: wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing hands.
The morals to this story? First: Better to be safe than sorry. Second: If everyone is vaccinated, the chances of spreading the virus could be – ZERO.
We will get there. One day.
This is your country, and it’s up to you to save it.” – English translation of a saying in Taiwan
Washing Hands + Wearing a Mask + Social Distancing = Saving Lives