Today is the day The Bean and I get our second round of the Covid-19 vaccine. I must admit, I am nervous. I am trying not to be nervous, but it isn't working very well. I'm not worried for me; I worry for my bean. I am fully prepared not to feel well. However, I hate it when my child doesn't feel well. I tell myself that a day or perhaps two of feeling under the weather is worth the protection and the peace of mind the vaccine will offer. Even with the facts and the science, it is still creating anxiety for me to think of my favorite girl not feeling well.
We decided to get vaccinated after my appointment with my rheumatologist. Initially, I was advised not to take the vaccine because there wasn't enough research for those with autoimmune disorders and some of the medications those with autoimmune disorders must take. Nine months later, my doctor, a cautious vaccinator, advised me to get the vaccine because she is finding her patients with Lupus are not fairing well if they contract Covid. When I asked her advice about having Jordan vaccinated, she told me she has a twelve-year-old and a fourteen-year-old, and they are both vaccinated. Her advice was that it is safer to be vaccinated if they are in school or in normal social settings than not. She also advised me to have Jordan vaccinated because of her history of asthma and respiratory infections. Having a doctor that I trust, who initially advised me not to get vaccinated until more studies were completed, makes me feel more comfortable being urged to get the shot now.
Part of my decision to have The Bean vaccinated was because we anticipate having her return to in-person classes this year. However, with all things virus-related, we find we are once again questioning that decision. The Bean is adamant that she does not want to go back to school if she has to wear a mask. With the new CDC guidelines that were just released, I feel that wearing a mask may be inevitable. I would feel more comfortable with her wearing a mask, but I understand her stance on not wanting to wear one. I struggle with wearing a mask for just a few hours; I would not want to wear one all day. So, we continue to struggle with what we will do about her education this fall. I know she can successfully complete her studies via cyber school, but I worry she is missing valuable life lessons and social interaction. It is indeed a conundrum.
Although I am anxious about the effects the vaccine will have on us over the next few days, I feel better knowing that we are adding another layer of protection. As for The Bean going back to school, we will have to wait and see how the developments of this virus thing affect our decision. I always tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to my child, so there is a genuine possibility she may again be home with us. The Bibbed Wonder informed me that he knew that once I had her school shopping completed, the status would change, and she would be doing cyber school. She very well may be the best dressed cyber school kid in the district. One can never look too cute, even when working on the computer.
As always, dear reader, stay safe, be smart, make choices that are best for you, and keep washing your hands. Handwashing continues to be the most effective way to fight germs of all sorts.