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Post by k9krap on Jan 20, 2021 21:39:26 GMT -5
So today is the first day the Covid vaccine is available here in King George. I went to the VDH site yesterday to see where I qualify and was surprised to see that I’m in group 1b. All appointments for this week are taken (Wednesday and Thursday) and we don’t know when more will be available. I wasn’t really worried about getting it since I’m pretty content but it may help me to overcome some of the panic I have about going out anywhere if I’m vaccinated. So I’m on the list.
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Vaccines
Jan 20, 2021 22:18:27 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Dave's Not Here Man on Jan 20, 2021 22:18:27 GMT -5
We're 1b (according to the vdh screening tool). The local doh is surveying the residents here already so hopefully we won't have to wait many months. Every time I cough and sweat my anxiety goes up. To the point where I might go get another test just for the little bit of peace of mind.
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Post by k9krap on Jan 20, 2021 23:40:51 GMT -5
I just fixed my post - I’m 1b, too. I was sitting here grousing because I just turned 64 - too young for Medicare and other senior citizen benefits and voila - I can get shot!
I’m having contact issues today. Some days they just don’t seat well. I’m actually using my reading glasses to see the tv clearer! Usually, it blurs when l look through them at the tv. I’ve taken them out and put them back in several times. It’s a fairly new pair (3 days old - I wear them for 2 weeks before discarding). I may have to trash these early.
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Post by bobathon on Jan 21, 2021 4:27:35 GMT -5
1b. All that dietary neglect put me near the front of the line, suckers!
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Post by k9krap on Jan 21, 2021 5:30:14 GMT -5
I’m guessing the majority of the people I know are there! 🤣🤣
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Post by minx on Jan 21, 2021 9:25:23 GMT -5
Yeah - I was telling a friend "Who knew being fat would pay off?"
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Post by Dave's Not Here Man on Jan 21, 2021 9:34:11 GMT -5
Fat. High Blood Pressure. Sleep Apnea. Chronic Bronchitis. WINNING!
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Post by Dave's Not Here Man on Jan 21, 2021 12:05:26 GMT -5
I'm no stable genius but it seems to me like we should be starting to see at least some "flattening of the curve" here pretty soon. The news keeps reporting that the latest doom scenario (over 3000 deaths per day on avg nationally) is from the Thanksgiving holiday and that a lull, if we see one, will only last until the cases start increasing from the Christmas and New Years stuff. Well, New years was 3 weeks ago and xmas a month ago. I'm assuming xmas was the predominant factor, being that parties, family gatherings, church services, with a lot of contact between peopleses. NY was pretty much shut down celebration-wise in the manner of which the masses are accustomed. So if symptoms start between 2-14 days after infection, then it stands to reason that we would be at Christmas peak right about now. Right?
So with the new administration taking over and instituting actual federal guidance and leadership , which includes giving the experts in science and medicine the resources they need and the freedom to speak in their own words without being stood atop of and looked over as not to mix messages with the Crown, then one might reasonably expect the science to catch up to the people and by extension, the people up with the science (obviously that's not going to be universal by any stretch of the imagination).
I'm optimistic. Sue me.
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Post by minx on Jan 21, 2021 13:17:13 GMT -5
I loved, loved, loved that he mandated the Feds to set some guidance for the states so everyone can be on the same page.
And don't get me started on the fact-based updates!
Starting to swoon....
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Post by k9krap on Jan 21, 2021 21:07:29 GMT -5
Um, there are still thousands not following protocols. Witness the terrorists attacking the Capitol, or the gathering (albeit small) at Andrew’s for 45”s send off. I agree with Biden - we will see worse before it improves.
Im not only obese with hypertension, but I also have chronic kidney disease and a compromised immune system. Woohoo!
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Post by minx on Jan 22, 2021 9:26:21 GMT -5
I'm just hoping for a more unified plan and communications to go along with it.
So that we're all not wondering why a healthy 50 year old (friend in SC - she got lucky and was able to get one of the leftover doses at the end of the day) got the vaccine, but a 25 year old with an immune disorder in CA can't. And some sort of system so we know our place in line - as in "Based on your answers, you are in group 1B. We estimate that you'll be able to receive the vaccine by the end of February." And then have a way to get an update. So if I log in in two weeks, I can either see that the estimate is on time, or that it's moved.
You know, order. What a concept!!
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Post by Dave's Not Here Man on Jan 22, 2021 10:32:47 GMT -5
Here's the thing I never understood from the beginning: Is this not a national emergency? Was it ever declared as such by our former great and glorious leader? Or was that reserved solely for the busloads of murderers and rapists (I'm sure some were good people)?
Okay if not, then it needs to be immediately. PS- I think that in order to execute the DPA, there has to be one. Maybe not. I'm basically an indiot.
Anyway, if this is a national emergency and the potus declares it as such, then the states should not be jockeying for position and bidding against each other for funds, ppe, medical equipment, vaccines, supplies, etc. It stands to reason that they would need to get their state and local DOHs coordinated along with the medical facilities et al to provide the information (like minxy stated) and keep things organized. So you have the federal government, probably FEMA, doing the acquisition and distribution, perhaps per individual state requests* and another department, probably HHS, setting the standards/rules for the details on who what when. And finally a central and consistent federal mandate on mitigation measures, such as masks for example.
*A one-size-fits-all approach is inefficient and wasteful. The state "should" know what it needs better than the fed. If they don't want it (looking at the mook governor of SD) so be it.
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Post by minx on Jan 22, 2021 12:09:12 GMT -5
As usual, you nailed it.
Feds should have clear reporting guidelines for the states. States report cases, ect, then Feds distribute supplies and assistance accordingly.
And while I would love to tell states like SD to go screw themselves, we need to force them into compliance as well to protect the rest of us.
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Vaccines
Jan 23, 2021 5:09:18 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by bobathon on Jan 23, 2021 5:09:18 GMT -5
Yeah, well Donald Trump hates us all and wants us all to die. That's how we got here. Now there will be an actual national effort, like one would have if they cared about their country.
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Post by k9krap on Jan 24, 2021 19:21:55 GMT -5
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Post by Dave's Not Here Man on Jan 25, 2021 12:00:11 GMT -5
Apparently Merck was working on 2 covid vaxes and shut them both down because of poor trial results. One of them was based on their ebola vax. They are turning their attention to an anti-viral that is said to be effective in treating those with severe cases.
Astra Z and J&J are still up in the air as far as efficacy and AZ apparently is in a bind with production already over European orders for theirs.
Assuming 2/3 (optimistic high estimate) of us here in dumfuckistan choose to get vaxxed, that's a little over 200 million people and well over 400 million doses since each requires 2 shots. Even With the administration's goal of 100 million in the first 100 days, we're still looking at 6 months to get that 2/3 done, note, I'm not sure if his plan included 100 million initial doses or the complete series.... a monumental if not profoundly difficult task all the way around.
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Post by k9krap on Jan 25, 2021 19:40:53 GMT -5
I read today that Moderna confirmed Agus regarding the efficacy against the new mutations and a booster. I agree that his June/July goal seems a bit optimistic, and Judy from the current status, unreachable.
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Post by Dave's Not Here Man on Jan 27, 2021 12:29:19 GMT -5
Patience was never my strongest virtue. I hate waiting. Hate isn't even a strong enough word. Of course, it depends on what I'm waiting for/on to what degree my discomfort reaches. I completely understand the folks that are losing their patience with the vaccine rollout. Even those of us that gave the disgruntled former, one term, failed president, the benefit of the doubt when it came to understanding the profound challenges involved in the entire process, from research and development, to getting FDA approval, supply chain logistics- acquisition, distribution, prioritization, tracking, data...... a lesser person may have fucked it up so bad that it could never be fixed.
Oh wait. We've had a new POTUS and his party control for a week now and it's still not fixed by any stretch of the imagination.
That being said, I have tried to be patient through all of it, including during the human dumpster fire of the last person in the entire world you would ever want in charge of such an undertaking. I feel like I owe it to the current team, which consists of well qualified experts and professionals in many areas including health, science, and government, at least a month or so to get everything down to an algorithm. But I'm seeing a tsunami of Karens crashing the internet even in this place which you'd think would be well above sea level both literally and figuratively. They are running in circles and screaming at the top of their otherwise very clear lungs about the lack of structured information*. It seems that, locally anyway, some people have been getting vaxed at Kroger, some at their primary care, others at the hospital, some at teh DOH, and then you have others that say "no, not at THAT Kroger, not at MY primary care, only if you WOrK at the hospital, DOH says they don't do them there"........ you get the picture. Even for my part, I took the survey on the VDH website to know what group we were in and initially thought that was also a pre-registration because admittedly I didn't read the whole thing. Right after realizing that, I went to the VDH page that said you can pre-register with your local DOH and to visit their website or call. So I went to their website which had a giant banner that said "LINK FOR PRE-REGISTERING FOR COVID-19 IS CURRENTLY DOWN. PLEASE CALL THE NUMBER BELOW TO PRE-REGISTER OR CHECK BACK HERE FREQUENTLY". So I called the number. Anyone wanna guess what the recording said? "VISIT THE WEBSITE TO PREREGISTER FOR THE COVID...."
*I'm using "structured information" as a catch all for the fact that there's tons of information; some good, most bad, and a general lack of a one-size-fits-all form, pamphlet, or public notice on ALL of the details about who, how, when, where, cost, benefit, survey, follow up, and file.
So it's a master class in clusterfuckery as I see it. We desperately need a clearly detailed, easy to understand, easy to access (show it on the news like the same # of times they do the goddamn weather) and send to every social media group to make it a banner on every home and/or profile page.
It truly is no surprise whatsoever that the country is where it's at in almost every respect right now, from most cases and deaths, to nearly being overthrown by yall qada.
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Post by minx on Jan 27, 2021 14:17:46 GMT -5
I already have conservative friends posting that Biden is a failure because he hasn't fixed this yet. It's almost like they've forgotten who broke it in the first place....
MWH said they would have limited appointment slots available, and registration would open at 3pm today. I am going to try and see if I can snag one, but I suspect getting tickets to see Hamilton two years ago will seem like child's play in comparison.
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Post by minx on Jan 27, 2021 15:54:39 GMT -5
So I may or may not have an appointment - I filled out the form and am waiting to hear back
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Post by Dave's Not Here Man on Jan 27, 2021 19:13:55 GMT -5
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Post by k9krap on Jan 27, 2021 19:57:45 GMT -5
As I said previously, I’m not going to bust a gut as I’m pretty much okay with things now. Despite the fact that I’ve run out of one bp med and am low on others because I don’t want to risk going to my internist. I’d much rather see those that really need it get it now. I’ll wait until the supply is more abundant and maybe there will be a better chance of getting the second dose when it’s due. (Yes, I worry about that. I’ve been through that frustration with the shingles vaccine.). So March, June, or whenever is fine with me.
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Post by minx on Jan 28, 2021 11:09:10 GMT -5
Didn't get an appointment (wasn't holding my breath), but my friend (who has numerous health conditions) and her elderly parents were able to score one, so that's great!
I looked at the DOH's website that John posted. Interesting information, but not helpful IMO.
I'd like to know things like how many folks are in line, and the estimated number of doses available in the upcoming week. And I'd also like to see an estimated wait time - so something like "For those who registered the week ending January 30, 2021, the current wait time is estimated to be xx weeks"
However, I am hopeful that things are starting to turn, however slowly. I think that Biden and his administration has started putting better distribution plans into place, and therefore states can start making a realistic plan and sign-up system to get the vaccinations out. It's going to take time - I'm trying to be patient.
Now for the important shit - PAMMMMM! What are you doing? Does your internist not do virtual visits? Going without your meds is not a good thing, as I'm sure you know!
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Post by Dave's Not Here Man on Jan 28, 2021 11:16:40 GMT -5
I was on the treddy yesterday trying to follow Northam's press conference... reading the captioning... and between the weird words that they were typing and sweat in my eyes, I could only follow about half of it.
Waiting for my call on one of those virtual visits as I type btw.
After that takes place I wanted to listen to the presser in full because I know a lot of what you mentioned above (and a few things I asked previously) was addressed in some fashion by the gubnuh.
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Post by k9krap on Jan 28, 2021 20:11:18 GMT -5
It’s hard to do a yearly physical virtually. I haven’t been to see her in nearly 2 years and I didn’t get the blood work done that she ordered last time I went. I doubt she will agree to fill the prescriptions without an in-person visit. Sigh. I know it’s stupid but her waiting room is wee itty bitty which always made me a bit uncomfortable. Now - panic. The med I’m really concerned about is the prescription strength potassium. Just took the last one this morning. I expect muscle cramping to start up again.
Oh - and more news. I went out in the wee hours this morning to take my recycling to the road. It was so pretty with the snow coming down. First step down from the deck and the steps come completely off from the deck. Thank goodness I was using my cane for additional support as it kept me upright. I almost fell in the ditch, too, when I was getting the mail out of the mailbox. 🤣🤣 I am officially a feeble old woman. Tonight I need to make my Food Lion run. I’m going to try using the front door. I’ve resisted it because there are no hand railings so I struggle getting up and down those steps.
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Post by k9krap on Jan 28, 2021 21:22:35 GMT -5
Well, the joy is compounding exponentially! Safely negotiated the front steps and hobbled out to the car. Loaded my cooler in the back, struggled in and turned the key - it won’t start. I don’t think the battery is dead as I have lights, etc. but it won’t start. I guess I’ll have to get up early (for me) tomorrow and call AAA. Oh, happy days!!!
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Post by minx on Jan 29, 2021 10:44:44 GMT -5
Oh no! Do you need someone to do a grocery run for you?
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Post by Dave's Not Here Man on Jan 29, 2021 12:00:39 GMT -5
We just had that issue last week. IT SUCKS! The lights can be on and still be the battery. They only have to be weak enough to not have the power to turn the motor.
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Post by minx on Jan 29, 2021 14:00:22 GMT -5
Battery issues are the total suck. Still remember little Minx calling me from Vermont two days before her internship ended because her car wouldn't start - what should she do? Being the bitch I am, I asked if she wanted me to drive there to give her a jump before I told her to call AAA and what to expect. Guy bought a really powerful battery charger and got what seemed like a dead battery to live. LIVE! And he got there in less than 15 min from the call - a miracle! Guess it does pay to live in the sticks sometimes
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Post by k9krap on Jan 29, 2021 14:03:19 GMT -5
That’s what I’m hoping. Since I only drive about 7 miles total every 10 days or so, the battery doesn’t get a chance to charge. I was just thinking about that the other day. Now with it being so cold it needs more juice. My first car was a Plymouth Cricket. That thing would have a dead battery every time the temp got below 30, I think.
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