And there is a but. BUT, I’ll get back to that later.
So, let me tell you what’s been happening. As you are aware, I pre-registered with Montgomery County in the beginning of January to get my Covid_19 Vaccination. Updates were being sent but nothing updating my spot on the list.
And after three months, it was becoming quite frustrating.
Time sure flies by quickly-even when you are waiting for an answer!
Flashback to this past Thursday. The Development we live in has a Facebook group. One of our neighbors, a nurse, posted about a vaccine “Pop-Up” shop that was taking place on Saturday, March 13 (yesterday) and posted the link to apply. This pop up was hosted by our local school district and The Medicine Shoppe, a local pharmacy.
Shout out to The Medicine Shoppe in Boyertown. It may be a half hour from our home but moving forward, we’ll be sending our prescriptions here! Thank you for hosting this!
In order to receive the vaccine, one needed to be living in our local school district. Mind you, I was at work when I found out about this so I immediately went on a break and filled out the application. I had very low expectations as the Montgomery County Debacle was driving me crazy.
Lo and behold and there by the grace of God, I ended up being accepted to receive the vaccine. What I find to be absolutely incredible is the County I live in, failed to get in touch with me and within eight hours of applying to receive the vaccination through the school district and pharmacy, I had an appointment.
Ever the skeptic, I was still having issues believing this would take place so I sent a letter to my local congresswoman. I haven’t heard back from her.
I wrote a letter to Melissa Shusterman-I voted for her you know. She’s very pretty. But she pretty-much ignored my humorous but snarky email!
And with my husband getting his second vaccination tomorrow at Paoli Hospital, I was really getting anxious over receiving mine. Well, all doubts were put to rest when I received a second email confirming my appointment with specific instruction on where to go—what building—etc.
And here’s how it rolled:
My Covid-Vaccine ensemble was comfortable and appropriate. A fun tee with short sleeves to roll up so that I could welcome the vaccine. J. Crew Pixie pants because they are stretchy and comfy and J. Crew ballet flats because they are freaking comfortable–especially on long stints of standing. I was dressed for success!
My appointment was 3:45. And as I no longer have children of school age, I had no inkling where the school in which I was receiving the vaccine was. We did a dry-run. And at first it was confusing because it was early—but that was a good thing. We spotted signs leading the direction we were to head to. We saw a police officer and his son happened to be one of the volunteers. We asked if this was the correct place, and they assured us it was. Both men were extremely friendly and helpful. They also said to arrive a few minutes earlier than the appointed time.
So off we went and I felt really good.
Upon returning, things ran smoothly and efficiently. To the point of being perfect. We arrived and our automobile, with us in it naturally, were placed on a line. Then, about five cars would leave the line to make the way to a parking area. I was asked if I had mobility issues. Since I don’t, the car was led to another parking area.
Volunteers abound and leading us to the right spot, it was run like a finely tuned needle (I guess that’s the phrase) and every singly volunteer was so helpful and friendly and the vibe was incredibly positive!
As I exited our parked car, my husband ended up taking a nap as I headed into the building. Once inside, I was greeted with a thermometer to the forehead and was asked for my name. With a normal temp, I took the form given to me, headed into another room and filled the form out.
I filled out the form and headed to wait patiently (and I’m not a patient woman) on the line!
After filling the form, I waited on a line in the corridor of the school. Another volunteer handed all on the line a card and a pen. We were told to take outwear off to make things easier.
The line was single-file, long and went quickly. I felt like I was back in school! And look-there’s an ice cream freezer to the right. Ever the gluttonous piggy, I thought we were being gifted wtih ice cream. The vaccine was actually the gift though!
My Vaccination Card. Best ID I’ve ever had!
Did I mention when applying, it was requested that we have copies of our prescription and medical insurance cars with us. The administrative assistant in me made color copies, front and back and stapled them. I also wrote a cover letter and placed all docs into a yellow folder that I brought with me. Trust me, I was prepared!
Ever the nerd, I was pleased as punch when the volunteer told me I was awesome for copying front and back and stapling. Rather than awesome, I was just desperate to comply because I wanted this vaccine.
Yes. I AM that nerd girl. Even as a child I dared not go outside the lines when I handed my homework in. I also hovered over my papers so nobody else could cheat off of me. It is only befitting that I would make perfect copies and staple them. A + for me!
The wait on the line wasn’t long at all—I swear this was efficiency at best.
There was a quick stop at another table before entering the gym where the shots were being administered. Again, my temperature was taken and I entered the gym to receive another form and stand in another line.
I received the Pfizer vaccine and trust me, drugs never looked so goo!
And then it happened. I was called over to a table and received my vaccine! Took two seconds. A band aid was placed on my arm where the vaccine was injected and I was given the date of the return for the second vaccine.
Don’t mind the bra strap. At least I wore underwear! And just like that–I had my first dose! Ohh I like this camera angle because my upper arm looks so good! IRL its a mud flap!
After receiving the needle, I was led to a desk. On the desk was a timer. The timer was set for fifteen minutes. This is the wait time between receiving the vaccine and exiting the building. Just to make sure there is no reaction.
Can you believe this? I mean, HOW organized is this? A timer no less!
After the fifteen-minute allotment I exited thanking every last volunteer. After I receive my second dose, I want to sign up to volunteer. The positivity and upbeat vibe from the volunteers were truly exceptional.
My favorite volunteer. She’s a music teacher and gave up her Saturday because she is so passionate about everyone receiving the vaccine. I want to be best friends with her! It’s a good thing we had to leave after fifteen minutes. I would have stayed longer just to socialize–it’s been a while!
So, I get into the car and tell Bonaparte the date of my second dose and he looked at me. (This is where the “but” comes in) He very seriously reminded me that on April 10, we will be in Cincinnati to visit Oona, Sam and baby Owen.
How could I possibly forget about this nugget of love and cuteness. WTF is wrong with me? I KNEW I would mess something up. I knew it!
Dumbfounded, I realized I was so stinking excited about receiving the vaccination that I forgot about the trip. And I also realized that I simply cannot—and I repeat CANNOT do any thing right! I couldn’t re-enter the building to correct the date. Surprisingly, I didn’t panic but I got in touch with the woman that I had been corresponding with who was a tremendous help.
Head to the dictionary and look up the word Moron. You will see the description: Catherine Lartigue
I sent and email explaining my dopey error. And it isn’t looking promising for the second dose. But things have a way of working out so I’m not giving up on this.
And last night at dinner, I was still talking about the great experience and Bonaparte told me that was one of the things he loves about Americans. He said no matter what our politics are, we are still willing to assist others with a smile and genuine kindness that you don’t see in France.
I know. I know. I am stereotyping. But the fact is, my husband–at times, IS the cranky Frenchman and he admits it. And that’s what he loves about we Americans. We’re just happy and nice!
I thought that pretty-much summed up how we really are as a people. It’s been a year. There’s hope. We have hope now because we have the vaccine. I’m hopeful that things will return to normal at some point. I’m hopeful that everyone will be vaccinated.
I got a big family. This makes me look forward to a big family par-tay in the future! Or…getting back on a flight to France! But most of all, I can’t wait to see my grandson!
And I’m hopeful that I will receive my second dose!
Have you been vaccinated yet? Are you struggling to find a way to receive it? Is your area organized? I really am quite curiously nosey about this. Do tell!
Love your story. I have a fatal habit of forgetting dates as well so can relate. I had my first vaccine four weeks ago in the UK. It was very similar.Lots of volunteers and staff with a well organised system. I think they managed social distancing and processing 5 people at a time in two rooms and a corridor. Being vaccinated and knowing that others are also being vaccinated as fast as can be really brings hope. Hope you can sort out your second vaccine. I have to wait until the end of April for mine but that is ok. Keep blogging. I love when a post from you comes through
Hi Christine. And thank you for enjoying this blog. Yeah. I’ve read recently that you can still be fine waiting six weeks for the second dose so it’s all good! XOXOXOXO
I am so happy for you to get the vaccination!! In Ontario those between 65-69 are denied the AstroZeneca vaccine and must wait for our turn to come up for the Pfizer. This is so annoying because Québec has vaccinated it’s 65-69 age group with AZ no issues. My two younger brothers 64-59 are lined up for the AZ jab tomorrow. I try not to think about how ridiculous this is and just be happy that more and more folks are getting the jab regardless of who makes it..What really annoys me is people thinking that having one shot confers immunity and they are prancing around sans masks and not social distancing anymore. Ironically that makes my world a bit more dangerous then it was a few months ago when everybody was being so careful.
Eventually it will be over so just trying to be patient…
Hey Momcat!!! The Frenchman was telling me about the AZ debacle in the EU. It seems that a few folks got bad reactions so they are putting the AZ on hold–at the same time the UK/IReland/Wales, ets are using the AZ and all is fine. I think the game-changer is the one-dose J and J but I’ll take whatever comes my way.
And there is no way I’m giving up my mask. No sirreeee. That thing is staying on until it is 200 percent safe to go without. Patience is certainly a virtue right now!! XOXOXOXO
Glad you were able to finally get your vaccine. Here, in Chicago, two hospitals reached out to us to schedule our appointments, so I was very pleased how smoothly everything went. I was told you could take your second dose two days earlier or later than the three-week mark, so this might help in being able to have the shot and Owen. Bon courage!
Hi Sandra! Wow. You were lucky to have two hospitals get in touch with you. I’m just waiting to hear which day my second dose will be. I am hopefull it’ll be sooner than later! XOXOXOXO
I got my second dose this past week and immediately afterwards I felt such elation and joy. I’m in southern CA and the facility I went to was run very efficiently. And the people were so pleasant, helpful and kind. It was almost surreal given our current insane political climate. We were one big happy UNITED group of citizens.
I love your blog. I always look forward to reading your stories. You crack me up every time.
Hi Audrey and I’m glad to be of service to entertain you! It’s so funny you mention about the political climate because the vibe was so positive and non-political when I went for my vaccine. IT was sooooo pleasurable! I love when we are all united! XOXOXOXO
Is your second shot scheduled four weeks after your first? I’m asking because I have read that the Pfizer doses are normally given three weeks apart, but that most agencies are spacing both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine doses four weeks apart to make scheduling easier (my sister, a nurse, told me this). You might ask if you can have your second a week earlier (if that is before your trip, that is) if it would allow for three weeks between doses.
I know what you mean about the elation. I had my first shot on March 1st and would have hugged every single person at the clinic where it was given, if I could have. I don’t have full protection yet, but even having partial protection is such a relief – I have to teach some classes next week (at a university). And yes, seeing so many people working together to get us out of this merde was inspiring.
I’m happy you were vaccinated!
Cathy, Debra is correct, the Pfizer second shot is three weeks after, i.e., for you should be April 3, not April 10. Why would you be given a date to return at four weeks?
I have been fully vaccinated, with Pfizer vaccine; first shot on Jan 22, second one on Feb 12. I’m so grateful, can’t wait until our entire family pod gets their shots.
Hope this gets straightened out for you and you can enjoy your trip to see your sweet grandbaby.
Hi Christine. I just think that’s the way things are rolling here. My husband had his second shot last night–he had Moderna and it was almost 4 weeks……… XOXOXOXO
HI Deb. I swear every time WordPress “improves” something it goes haywire. I may have lost my first reply to you or it’s gonna show up randomly somewhere else. I am definitely hopeful I’ll have that second dose before I leave for Cincy. But I get you on this. I feel protected already with that first dose and will feel even better with that second. My husband is concerned about how things are going in France. The vaccination situation over there is not good and they may go into yet another lockdown. I just hope things get better soon. An entire second year of this is not fun! XOXOXOXO
“IRL it’s a mud flap!” You never fail to crack me up!
I received my second Moderna dose a few days ago. The first jab required waiting outside for 90 minutes in the freezing wind. It was snowing! I’m strong and well, thank goodness, but there were some very elderly people in line with me, bundled in wheelchairs and struggling with walkers – poor people! It was a mess. The second dose, however, was so streamlined! Everything went beautifully smoothly, with a minimal wait. Hard to express the sense of relief that second dose brings! Now I’m hoping that my children, friends, and neighbors all quickly receive their vaccinations. Some of the strains (the Brazilian one in particular is unnerving) sound very wily, but as long as we get the overwhelming majority vaccinated we should all be able to emerge from this strange and lonely time. I am concerned about the people who (still!) insist it’s their right to aggressively go maskless, and about the anti-vaxxers, etc. Plus we will need to figure out a safe way to protect children. Nevertheless I am hopeful, and I do have a sense of the skies overhead lifting and lightening after this long and wearying time.
Yay for you! I got my first shot today. Easy peasy. I made SIX Instagram posts about the process, because my boyfriend and I made an expedition out of it. Mine was by auto (how California) at Magic Mountain. Driving through the cone maze was hilarious. We captured it on video. I put it as the web link.
I was told there is a window for Pfizer shot 2: I think it’s 18-24 days. I hope you can work out your error!
That’s where I got my shots! They were testing the rollercoaster the day of the second shot. It was so festive!!
Christine–that’s so cool!!!! OXOXOXO
Anne. What is your instagram handle? I need to follow and see those posts–sounds like the best place ever to get vaccinated! XOXOXOXO
Your posts are always, always entertaining and uplifting. I had an appointment for this past Wednesday for my first shot, but I developed a stopped up nose and Tallulah Bankhead hoarseness, so I had to cancel and reschedule for this Thursday. I was surprised how excited I was when I scheduled the first shot and how sad I was that I had to cancel. I hope you can reschedule your second shot so it doesn’t interfere with your trip.
Marsha!!!! I hope you are doing better and will have that first dose comeThursday as re-scheduled. Go make yourself a Hot Toddy. Make a cuppa tea and add a shot of whiskey and honey and lemon to it. Drink it and get under the covers. It should work like a charm! XOXOXOXO
Hi congratulations. Here in the UK the decision to allow much longer between shots was controversial but there now seems to be evidence validating it. I had my first vaccine on 22January and won’t get the second until 12 weeks after that date, so personally I’d feel relaxed about moving your second shot date a bit. Like yours, my visit was beautifully organised and efficient but also wonderfully friendly and reassuring. I feel very confident that I am protected and will be ‘topped up’ ok in a few weeks. Best wishes 😊
HI Kathy! As I told Vava, a bunch of replies I wrote are missing. They may or may not show up at some point. Did you get the AZ? That’s why there may be a 12-week time frame in between shots. Pfzier et. al, have a shorter time frame but I don’t even care at this point. I’m ready for that second does whenever! XOXOXOXOXO
I got my shot the same day as you, Cathe!!! My husband did, too. We got Pfizer also but they haven’t scheduled our next shots yet. That will hopefully happen soon. After our shots, we walked over to a favorite restaurant and had lunch outside. It’s the first time in a year that we’ve eaten out and it was such a glorious sunny day also! I look forward to getting through this. I am rolling my eyes at the Republican men who are saying they won’t get vaccinated…..um, OKAY. All the more reason to keep a distance from them!
Vava. I lost a bunch of comments. WordPress has once, again, changed things so the comments just may show up at any given time. Anywayyyyyyyyyyyy. Wasn’t it great to dine outdoors. I can’t wait until we can head out for lunch or dinner when the weather gets warmer and we are fully protected! My husband has had no adverse side-effects from his second dose so that’s a good thing. In the meantime, my mask stays right on my face! XOXOXOXO
I get my second shot tomorrow and it’s clear I have to dress better this time around. Cancelled everything on the day after as nearly everyone I know has had a rough time after the second shot. My first shot was a breeze but for the much-older people who kept cutting in front of me while I patiently awaited my turn. Thank you for your uplifting and entertaining reports!
Hi Catherine Wynne! It’s so weird to reply to my maiden name. I feel as though I’m writing to me! Who knew??? My husband had his second shot yesterday with NO side effects at all. And he’s 11 years older than I am! . LOL. Those old people cutting in line. I elbow them. I’m that mean girl-LOL! XOXOXOXO
I’m in California and do not yet qualify for the vaccine. However, my mother has gotten her first dose and my EMT son gets his second shot today. It was VERY difficult for them to get appointments, as the websites are constantly fully booked.
HI Terry. I gave up on the Montgomery County site. I gave up on CVS and Wallgreens and a small local pharmacy up the street. It’s craziness! XOXOXOXO
I’m fortunate to live in a part of Texas that is a “vaccine hub.” Thank goodness – since it seems to be very hard to find in Texas. Thanks to my school district running across some doses, I clicked on their link and got my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine Feb. 4. There were maybe 3 other people at the local senior center where they were giving it. I’m a 64-year-;old teacher with asthma. I teach all day long at an elementary school where nearly all the children are back in the school building so we can’t socially distance – just too many bodies. As the music teacher, I see ALL the kids in the school everyday. Talk about being a mask fanatic! I should just record and press “play” I say cover your nose so many times all day long. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve said COVER YOUR NOSE, I could retire and be done with this. LOL! I’m also the care-giver for my 90-year-old mother. Got my second dose 2 weeks ago – easy peasy. It was so well run. Drove through the local expo center, rolled down my window, got the shot, and was directed to the parking lot to wait for 15 minutes – honk and flash your car lights if you have a reaction type of thing. Mama got her 2nd dose last Monday – the 8th. Neither one of has had a reaction to either dose. Still wearing our masks, too, in spite of what the crazy governor of TX says. Take care! I love reading your blog!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve had your first shot. Here in the UK I had my first one on 24th January and my husband had his on 30th January, even though he’s four years older than me!! We have to wait for 12 weeks before we have our second one, so I shouldn’t worry about having yours done after you’ve been to see Owen. We had the AZ vaccine which is now mired in controversy. We wait, hope and see.
Thank you so much for continuing to post. My spirits are always lifted when I see you’ve published a new one.
Susan D
HI SusanT And thank you! Yeah. I keep hearing about the UK waiting 12 weeks between shots. It’s such a weird thing because some are saying that you need to get the second in three weeks–blah blah. I’m interested in how you will be feeling after you receive your second dose. My husband has had not side effects at all from the second one!! I can’t wait to see Owen!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Glad that you have your first shot. I am over here on the westcoast in BC, Canada and they just started the 80+ age group. I am 57 so going to be awhile before they get to us.
HI Paula. What I continue to find disturbing is the fact that smokers are getting their vaccines before others who practice wellness or who are over 50. Last night when my husband went for his second dose I was shocked at the number of young people receiving their shots. And they all appeared to be very fine specimens of health! Hang in there! XOXOXOXO