Travel

Second Vaccine

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Thank you Panama! We have felt really well cared for here. A few days ago there was information in our neighborhood group and social media that the second round of vaccines was this week (Pfizer again), a week earlier than I expected it. Then, I got an email with my appointment date, time, and location. I could also find my appointment on the website where people register.

The process was very much like the first time. ( Vaccinations ) We got to the school fairly early on the first day so there were a lot of people waiting, but it was very organized. There were rows of socially distanced chairs, and we moved up row by row until we got to the vaccination room.

We were taken 6 at a time to the vaccination room. Vaccines were give with after care instructions, and our info was entered in their log both outside the room and inside by the staff giving vaccines.

Then a volunteer gave us more instructions as she took us to the room to wait 15 minutes to be sure we were ok, and then we were free to go.

There was about an hour wait to get started, and about half hour to go through the process, so we were done in 1 1/2 hours. As we left we heard people being asked if they needed a ride home, and there were yellow school bus vans waiting outside for anyone who needed them. (you could also request a ride to the vaccination site if you needed one) I also noticed that anyone who arrived in a wheelchair or needed help to walk was immediately taken to the front of the line outside a vaccination room where they could be attended to quickly.

When I got home there was an email waiting for me with info on where and when I got my shot, what was given, what symptoms to expect afterward, how to treat them, and where to find help or answers to questions. I also have my vaccination card that was updated on site.

I am very very thankful to Panama for providing us with vaccines! I know they haven’t gotten the supply they needed to protect everyone, but they are starting with the more vulnerable people in the areas with more COVID deaths. Word is that they have negotiated with Pfizer to get a lot more vaccine, and in July the process will ramp up considerably. If thing go according to plan the whole population should be protected by September. More and more AstraZenica has also been coming in and it’s being given to the younger people, men over 30, and women over 50 but that has just now been changed to women also over 30.

This is happening none too soon as Panama continues to fight another wave of COVID. But now, it’s the 30-50 year old people who seems to be getting it the most. Illness and deaths of the older people has fallen dramatically, a great sign that the vaccines are doing what they are supposed to do. Still though, it’s a struggle as they try to keep people from getting sick and/or spreading the virus.

We’re doing ok, sore shoulders at the injection site and tired, but I think we’ll be ourselves again tomorrow. And, I am SO excited to have the protection I need to visit my family at greatly reduced risk to me and them. I can hardly believe I’ll be with my grandkids in just a little more time. We are going to have SO much fun!

So, that’s the word of the day from here. It’s another of those calmer cooler days so maybe I should go work in the yard and see if I can spot more interesting bugs. As always, take care of yourselves and each other.

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