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By Zachary Seifter/ Staff Writer

 

With the increase in COVID-19 vaccinations available in the United States, the pandemic has slowly but surely calmed down, with the light at the end of the tunnel appearing to be close.

However, that light can only be reached if people go out and get vaccinated.

At least, that’s the sentiment of many Senior Connection members.

Senior Connection has quite a few members that have taken the COVID-19 vaccination, whether it be one shot or two. For the most part, the shot itself was fine and the effects minor.

“I had to go to Montgomery to get mine,” Senior Connection member Charlotte Medley said. “My experience as far as getting the shot was great … My arm was sore, and I’m getting my second one on Friday [March 26], but that was the only thing, just a little bit sore. My husband has had both of his and he had no reaction to either one of them.”

While getting vaccinated has been a priority for some members, there have been issues, one being the availability of shots. Some had to wait weeks to get vaccinated. Some had to be put on multiple waiting lists.

“I’m on two lists and they still haven’t [called to schedule a vaccination],” Senior Connection member Anita Connor said. “Still waiting.”

The lack of availability is a large concern. Only a few locations in Chilton County provide the vaccine. So, some have traveled a bit to get vaccinated.

Despite some of the difficulty, many of the members agreed that it’s important for people to get vaccinated.

“I’d say take the shot [to others],” said Senior Connection member Christy Glenn. “Because I have asthma … I’ve had the flu several times and I know how sick I get with the flu. After my daughter told me how bad it was, I don’t want to get it … I know we can still get it but it’s not supposed to put you in the hospital [if you get vaccinated]. We’ve had so many people die just here in Clanton before the shot came out, so hopefully this is really going to help.”

Those who are eligible to get the vaccination at this point according to the Alabama Public Health website are as follows:

“People age 55 and older, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the population defined as Allocation Phase 1c in the Alabama COVID‐19 Vaccination Allocation Plan which includes people age 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions which include but are not limited to the following conditions:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD
• Heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies; immunocompromised state
• Solid organ transplant
• Obesity, BMI greater than 30
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease
• Smoking
• Type 1 and 2 diabetes
• Other medical conditions as determined by your medical provider

Also, critical workers in the following areas who were not recommended for vaccination in Phase 1b will be eligible:

• Transportation and logistics
• Waste and wastewater
• Food service (includes restaurant staff)
• Shelter and housing (construction)
• Finance (bank tellers)
• Information technology and communication
• Energy
• Legal
• Media
• Public safety (engineers)”

To search availability and schedule a vaccination, go to https://alcovidvaccine.gov.