Tag: octogenarians

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KIDS HELP ELDERS GET VACCINE

It was an amazing, long anticipated day– entering the clinic parking lot to finally get the Covid-19 vaccine. But as we pulled in, I noticed a car where a young guy sat behind the wheel. His appearance worried me a bit—partly shaved head, piercings and metal coming out of every orifice. While waiting for my husband to get out of the car, I saw a dark sedan pull up. As an elderly couple opened their door , the young man got out and headed their way. An alarm went off in my head. Was he going to mug them? But no, he  held out his arms for them to lean on, and slowly walked them inside. It’s touching to see kids help their elders get the vaccine.

Inside, everything was highly organized and efficient. Since we had preregistered, there was no wait. But after getting vaccinated, we had to wait awhile to make sure we had no reaction. That’s when I could observe the patients coming in. This was the over 80 crowd, and at least half of them were accompanied by what appeared to be a child or grandchild. It’s safe to say that the kids were the ones who had gotten their parents or grandparents signed up.

You couldn’t just walk in to get vaccinated. You had to be in the “eligible” category (over 80) and provide your insurance card. Then, you could register for an appointment either over the phone or online. The phone lines were jammed all day long, so the best way to get an appointment was online.  I’m lucky to know my way around the internet. That’s because I had a job  that entailed the use of computers. Many octogenarians wouldn’t have the slightest idea. So I’m guessing the metal kid got his grandparents registered online.

 

kids help elders get vaccine. Hooray for these young caregivers.
Kids help elders get vaccine. It’s heartwarming to see children take care of their parents.

There were sons with fathers on canes or in wheel chairs. And daughters who brought their parents to check in. Love was in the air.  Lucky, my husband and I can still navigate on our own. But It was heartwarming to see so many children taking the time to get their parents or grandparents  vaccinated. Hooray for family caregivers, and kids who help their elders get the vaccine.

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LUCKY TO BE A HOOSIER OVER 80

It’s not often that an octogenarian feels especially lucky–except for the fact that we’re still around.  But right now , if you’re a Hoosier over the age of 80, you’re fortunate.  That’s because our Governor Holcomb has issued some common sense guidelines for dispensing the covid-19 vaccine.  Since 50% of deaths from covid-19 are with people over 80, we are next in line—after healthcare providers and first responders.  I don’t know what they’re doing in other states, but it’s very impressive how efficiently it’s being handled in Indiana.  Right now, I’m feeling lucky to be a Hoosier over 80.

As State Health Commissioner Kristina Box  said, “  By opening the vaccine to those who are 80 or older, then adding people in their 70s and 60s when vaccine supplies allow us to expand, we can best protect the populations that account for 93 percent of our COVID-19 deaths,

Lucky to be a Hoosier over 80: You don't have to wait in long lines to get vaccinated
In Indiana, you didn’t have to wait in long lines to get vaccinated. Lucky to be a Hoosier over 80.

Starting Friday, December 8,  at 9 a.m. you could call or schedule  online an appointment at a local hospital or clinic.  But of course, they hit a few snags.  When I called the 211 number, they said they couldn’t take my call.  That wasn’t surprising. What was surprising: when I contacted the Department of Health via chat, they gave me a link that actually worked. It  told me the wait time to get registered in minutes and seconds.  I knew that if I stayed online for about 45 minutes, it would be my turn.  And it was.  I entered the required information as to age, name, etc. and voila: I had an appointment for next week.  And they let me make one for my husband, too.

Are you afraid to get the vaccine?  I know I was apprehensive when I started hearing of people who’d had bad reactions. But the minute I heard I could get a vaccine right away, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.  Did  I really  want to go on this way for the indefinite future?  Not going anywhere, doing much of anything, or seeing anyone I care about?  It’s been an emotional roller coaster, and I  am ready to get off.  I’ll take my chances.  And I feel lucky to be a Hoosier over 80.

As of noon, Friday, 33,000 octogenarians in Indiana had registered for the vaccine.  And no one had to stand  in long lines  or wait in their car for hours like they did in other states.  Cheers to Governor Holcomb for doing a great job.