Yesterday, on the advice of my doctor, I went to the drugstore and got my third Moderna vaccination—the booster. Upon reflection (I try to monitor my responses to controversial stuff), I found my attitude strange. Getting the booster seemed as normal as volunteering my arm for my annual flu shot. Seven months ago, I was a nervous wreck. I could hardly believe that the vaccine was either safe or effective. However, my skepticism couldn’t dent the euphoria I felt at the mere possibility that I was safe from the ravages of Covid-19.
I checked with others who got or were contemplating a third shot. My niece, a fifty-ish psychologist, offered, “Yeah, it was so different. I got teary the first time, so emotional. Today was much calmer, though I’m still feeling like we got a new lease on having some normalcy in our lives.”
An artist friend and wife of a former colleague commented, “I held my breath as he jabbed me with the needle, wondering if I’d made a big mistake. I was feeling a bit of dread over getting a booster after having such a hard time getting the Jansen & Jansen shot. Hope when our time comes, it’s as easy as it was for you.”
I woke up achy, with a mild headache. I took two Tylenol, went back to bed for a bit and now, I’m just bored because I called off work. I’m stuck at home looking at my cell phone. When the email came through, I wasn’t feeling brave for getting the booster—perhaps just a little lucky that I could get it early. The email was from the department of public health where I work as a community outreach specialist—a soft-money Covid prevention program. It was a warning.
“Good afternoon. While we have not received any specific/immediate threats, we would like to remind you that there are a few people in our communities who disagree with some of public health’s recommendations regarding COVID-19. Given this environment and out of an abundance of caution, please be mindful of your surroundings.” It went on to stress locking doors and preventing non-personnel into secure areas.
Don’t worry about the booster. Worry about the crazies spawned by political leaders, intent on mayhem as a way to regain political power and hold on to their financial gains, which are fed by the ignorance and suffering of others.
Carole J. Garrison 