vaccine

[Rufus T. Firefly]

This may be a little strange. I am 86, retired and at this time do nothing really useful for anybody except my wife.
I understand that I will be eligible for the vaccine soon. Now I don't have a death wish or want to die but wouldn't
it be better for someone with some purpose in their life to get this vaccine?

You've got plenty of purpose!

But who would decide who would be chosen? Hmmmm. Looks like too many problems.

Two 12-sided dice.......

[Neil]

"But who would decide who would be chosen? Hmmmm. Looks like too many problems."

We are prioritizing health care workers because (1) they are at highest risk and (2) you need us around if you get sick. EMTs, police, firepersons, etc. are also high priority. Next priority is those at greatest risk of dying, mainly those over 80 in our area, although those younger with risk conditions such as immunosuppressive drugs for arthritis, cancer, etc. and diabetes, obesity, etc. should also be prioritized. We're not deciding based upon whose life is worth living or how much is left. It's noble of you to suggest you shouldn't take priority, but if society can give you a few more years of good health so you can die in your sleep at home, that's worthwhile. I'd take the vaccine when it's available to you, which should be in the next month or two, best guess.

We are finishing up vaccinating our health workers and starting on the second shot. Some immunity probably begins at 10-15 days after the first shot, but we'll be wearing masks in public and at work for many months to come, perhaps years. Most of us have not had a single cold (knock on wood) and the flu season has thus far been non-existent. So what half-assed compliance we have with masking and behavior has worked for those respiratory viruses, just not for this new virus. Likely due to pre-existing herd immunity and flu vaccinations, combined with reasonably strict public health measures. Worth keeping in mind when some fool says masks compromise your freedom or don't work. They compromise your freedom to get sick and infect others .

[Rufus T. Firefly]

We are prioritizing health care workers because (1) they are at highest risk and (2) you need us around if you get sick. EMTs, police, firepersons, etc. are also high priority. Next priority is those at greatest risk of dying, mainly those over 80 in our area, although those younger with risk conditions such as immunosuppressive drugs for arthritis, cancer, etc. and diabetes, obesity, etc. should also be prioritized.

Except that in some states, they aren't. Everyone over 65 goes 1st in Florida where that's 20% of the population and creating lines where people of camping out.

It seems that the states simply do not have the logistical infrastructure to vaccinate their citizens.

[robert.]

Except that in some states, they aren't. Everyone over 65 goes 1st in Florida where that's 20% of the population and creating lines where people of camping out.

It seems that the states simply do not have the logistical infrastructure to vaccinate their citizens.[/quote]
Is this due to the refrigeration needed for the vaccine or a follow the money trail? will states profit or gain some extra money from vaccinating people? why not give the vaccines to CVS,Rite aid, Walgreens and the likes?

[Neil]

CVS, RIte-Aid are doing the vaccinations at nursing homes here. The logistics of setting up vaccinations for tens of thousands of people are difficult, and large hospitals that are in good financial shape have been efficient here, but not so much smaller, less financially stable hospitals. Personnel who know what they are doing are likely one of the rate limiting steps.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

CVS, RIte-Aid are doing the vaccinations at nursing homes here. The logistics of setting up vaccinations for tens of thousands of people are difficult, and large hospitals that are in good financial shape have been efficient here, but not so much smaller, less financially stable hospitals. Personnel who know what they are doing are likely one of the rate limiting steps.

Yes, it's a difficult proposition getting the entire country vaccinated. Large hospitals are fairing well, but move out into a more rural setting and it's less positive.

[robert.]

CVS, RIte-Aid are doing the vaccinations at nursing homes here. The logistics of setting up vaccinations for tens of thousands of people are difficult, and large hospitals that are in good financial shape have been efficient here, but not so much smaller, less financially stable hospitals. Personnel who know what they are doing are likely one of the rate limiting steps.

Sounds wasteful. why can't nursing home staff give the vaccine?

[Rufus T. Firefly]

CVS, RIte-Aid are doing the vaccinations at nursing homes here. The logistics of setting up vaccinations for tens of thousands of people are difficult, and large hospitals that are in good financial shape have been efficient here, but not so much smaller, less financially stable hospitals. Personnel who know what they are doing are likely one of the rate limiting steps.

Sounds wasteful. why can't nursing home staff give the vaccine?

Doubt most are qualified.

[Neil]

In New York State, you need to be a licensed health professional (e.g., physician, nurse, pharmacist) to give injections. Most nursing home staff are not licensed health professionals as noted. That said, I could teach someone how to give an intramuscular injection safely in about 10-15 minutes. I've had the occasional nurse who wanted to give me an injection in my shoulder joint rather than the belly of the muscle, so things aren't perfect. In a pinch we could get a bunch of intelligent lay people to give injections reasonably safely and effectively just the way we train lay people to do CPR. I'm not holding my breath on that happening. Too much litigiousness and bureaucracy in most states.

[robert.]

That comment says a lot about our failing healthcare. Pharmacist can do. Yet long term care facilities cant. They should have a few people on the floor that can give a shot.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

In New York State, you need to be a licensed health professional (e.g., physician, nurse, pharmacist) to give injections. Most nursing home staff are not licensed health professionals as noted. That said, I could teach someone how to give an intramuscular injection safely in about 10-15 minutes. I've had the occasional nurse who wanted to give me an injection in my shoulder joint rather than the belly of the muscle, so things aren't perfect. In a pinch we could get a bunch of intelligent lay people to give injections reasonably safely and effectively just the way we train lay people to do CPR. I'm not holding my breath on that happening. Too much litigiousness and bureaucracy in most states.

All too true. It's not rocket science, but it does need to be done correctly. Mobilizing the Nat'l Guard medical units might be helpful in reaching the less populous areas.....

[Rufus T. Firefly]

That comment says a lot about our failing healthcare. Pharmacist can do. Yet long term care facilities cant. They should have a few people on the floor that can give a shot.

Pharmacists go through a lot of training and certifications that are required -- personnel at care facilities aren't. Has nothing to do with the healthcare system but more to do with individual state licensing of healthcare facilities.

[robert.]

Crack heads can give shots in dark alleys. i would think you're right 10-15 minutes and a steady hand. My wife had a job injecting mice. I know you guys will say ' people are not mice" She was not allowed to have any die. If one died she hoped all of them died. If a mouse died they did an autopsy on it. We had a guy on our rugby team give injections. Tetanus and Novocaine. He would do stitches also. Did it all with no formal training.

[robert.]

That comment says a lot about our failing healthcare. Pharmacist can do. Yet long term care facilities cant. They should have a few people on the floor that can give a shot.

Pharmacists go through a lot of training and certifications that are required -- personnel at care facilities aren't. Has nothing to do with the healthcare system but more to do with individual state licensing of healthcare facilities.

Sounds like these facilities are nothing more than hotels with diaper changers. Our populations has a lot of boomers hitting an age of possible need. we may need to make some heavy changes to personal care facilities. I have a few customers that own some care facilities. Not one of them knows a damn thing about healthcare. The only thing they know is. How to get a building built and filled with people. There is huge profit in owning these facilities. Maybe to much profit. Most of the funding goes into the owners pocket. These places call 911 as soon as somebody needs medical attention. Then sit back and wait for EMTs. I don't know how or to what level the system can be changed to. But i do know it needs changing.

[HONDO74]

Crack heads can give shots in dark alleys. i would think you're right 10-15 minutes and a steady hand. .

Reminds me of this scene from pulp fiction.

Pulp Fiction (HD) - Overdose Needle Scene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpMxpzfSRUA