One Down

And, one to go, sometime next month.

What I'm referring to the COVID-19 vaccine of which we both received the first shot this past Saturday afternoon. So far, we have not experienced any reactions — none at all. Thankfully, there's been no distressing symptoms for either of us.

Even though this is winter in New England, we received out vaccinations outdoors at a local high school parking lot. We had pre-registered on the VAMS (Vaccine Administration Management) on January 22 under Phase 1B. Grenville signed up and I was a "plus 1" which meant that when he signed up, my name was also included as a spouse.

Once our names were checked off the pre-registered list, we drove into the parking lot, where IDs were checked and we were instructed on what "could" happen after the vaccine was administered.Some family and friends, including fellow bloggers, who have already received both doses reported feeling sick after the second one. The nurse who administered the vaccine told us that over the counter medications, such as Ibuprofen, could be taken to alleviate any temporary discomfort. 

The most common side effects in the arm where the vaccine was administered can include pain, swelling or redness. Side effects throughout the rest of the body can include flu-like symptoms of chills, tiredness, headache or fever. Such side effects can be expected within a day or two of getting the second shot, but should go away within a few days.

In the past, we haven't experienced any after-effects with vaccines for the flu, pneumonia or shingles vaccinations, even when there have been two doses required.

Oddly enough we found people asking us beforehand if we knew which vaccine we would be receiving, Moderna or Pfizer. It seemed like an odd question to us because our reply was a standard: We don't know, but it really doesn't matter as there's no picking a preference. Also, selecting one over the other isn't possible as that depends on where you live and availability.

We received this Vaccination Record Card which was completed at home. We received the Moderna brand vaccine with doses 28 days apart. (By comparison, the first and second Pfizer vaccine shots are spaced 21 days apart.) On the back of this card is written the date and time of our second (and final) which will be on March 13 at the same place and same time as this past weekend. We will be termed fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dosage.

We're very grateful to have pre-registered without much difficulty and hope that, in time, many more folks will be able to register and receive the vaccine. Hopefully, it's one more step to overcoming this pandemic, returning all our lives to normalcy and being able to travel and safely visit family and friends. It's been far too long for all of us.

Comments on a late January post showed that folks in many other U.S. states and Canada either didn't have a scheduled appointment or had not heard when one would be available. Others in the UK had already either been vaccinated or had received notification

How about you — have more of you been able to register in your state or country and receive an appointment date and time? 

Belated Happy ❤️ Hearts Day wishes to all. Ours was spent at home with a wonderful meal prepared by Chef Grenville. Of course, the holiday card fairies left a couple of sweet cards. Our day ended by watching the 1993 film, Sleepless in Seattle, which culminates with a couple (Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan) meeting at the observation deck of the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day a remake of the 1957 film, An Affair to Remember (Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr). This film was also remake of a 1939 film, Love Affair (Charles Boyer and Irene Dunn).

Yesterday morning, a fellow resident left off an unexpected treat of home made cookies, some of which we enjoyed as part of our dessert. 

No, we didn't eat all of these on Sunday as we had ice cream already planned for our after dinner dessert. Yes, they were very good.