I will be getting the latest Covid and Flu vaccines again this fall – just like I’ve done for the past few years (and for the flu vaccine, going back 25+ years). As much as I despise the pharmaceutical industry and trust them only to focus on their core concern of making as much money as possible, I have hope that both vaccines offer at least some protection from illness or severe illness.
I’ve not yet gotten Covid. The last time I had the flu was in 2018. In the past, I was hit hard with the flu every 5-10 years. But my exposure to people was much higher then – in work meetings, having kids, family contact etc. Now, I spend nearly all of my time alone. I never spend any time near little petri dishes of viruses (kids). I avoid crowded place in general and never get stuck in meetings or airplanes anymore. With luck, that will help keep me free from airborne diseases.
There have been reports that Covid cases are rising in my city. I know of one couple who got it for the second time recently too. They are more social than me and they spend time with their adult children and school aged grandchildren so they get more exposure to it, I’m sure.
Coincidentally I’m getting my flu and Covid vaccines exactly one year to the day from when I got them last year. I wasn’t planning it that way. That just happened to be when my local CVS had an open appointment that fit my schedule.
I predict I’ll have the same side effects as last year. The first night, I’ll sleep fitfully and will toss and turn a bit. The next day, it will feel like I got knuckle punched in both shoulders. Then, over the course of a few days, my shoulder aches will gradually subside.
I wish they could give me the shots in my butt. I’ve got more cushion there than my shoulders and imagine it would bother me less.
Whatever. In a few days it will be done.