Getting Those Vaccinations!

 Friday afternoon we headed to Collingwood to get our Covid vaccinations.  I must admit that we're not among those for whom this has been a smooth process!  It was a nightmare trying to sort out the online and phone routes to do this and finally get an appointment.  Meanwhile numerous neighbours and others who we knew seemed to get theirs more easily.  And we did think that there should have been some allowance for high risk patients like myself, but age seems to be the only criterion.

Never-the-less, we did finally get appointments and headed for Collingwood, passing beneath the slopes of Blue Mountain.  Here the slopes of 'The Peaks' are still showing patches of snow, the clouds low over the mountain.

Our appointments were at a drive-in clinic in a large parking lot.  So we waited in line with the others, got our paperwork checked and drove through the tent, rolled down our windows and felt that pinprick in your arm.  Out to park for 15 minutes (they timed you), and back home.  So all in all this part of it was relatively efficient.

We had received a detailed email and screening form a few days before, so we were all prepared, and we did receive a 'receipt' after by email, telling us exactly which vaccine was administered.  Mrs. F.G. being a former nurse, who gave many vaccinations in her career at the university, filled me in on all my questions.  Among other things I learned the difference between 'reactions' (serious allergic reactions) and 'side-effects' (like a sore arm or tiredness for a day or two).  We have had neither.

I've also learned a lot about vaccinations in general over my life with Mrs. F.G. Working in a university clinic she gave a great many travel vaccinations, certain of which numerous countries in the world require.  The idea of a vaccination passport is nothing new, you require proof to enter these countries. You also need certain vaccinations for various professions in Ontario.  For several years Mrs. F.G. was in charge of the rabies vaccination program for the Ontario Veterinary College, the students had no choice if they wanted to be in the program.

Here in Ontario students entering both kindergarten and high school require 9 different vaccinations in order to attend school.  I remember getting most of these - measles, mumps, polio, chicken pox, whooping cough and diptheria are the ones I remember.  Given my age I may also have received a smallpox vaccine; smallpox is now considered eradicated in North America.  You can apply for an exemption on either medical or religious grounds, but in the latter case you must first attend a vaccination education program.  Very few exemptions are allowed, the risk to the rest of us is too great.

I'm getting used to the highway between here and Collingwood, and though the vast majority of this stretch of Georgian Bay is given over to out-of-sight private cottages, there's a very short stretch of shoreline at Craigleith that/s right beside the highway.

By this time it was raining, a fine mist, and it was certainly quite chilly.  We felt for those staff out in the parking lot running the vaccination clinic.  But we had picked up a hot chocolate and donut (a rare treat), and it was very good.

I had a House Finch come and visit, right below my window.  This is an iphone picture, slightly cropped.  Not clear enough for me.  But I got a photo on my big camera too, so I'll get around to posting it soon.

I've started reading the Harry Potter books!  There's been a bit of a Covid crisis here in Grey Bruce, the result of a big bush party + Easer weekend.  The regional public health office declared a 48 hour stay-at-home order and our library has even closed its drop-off/pick-up service.  Yesterday I finished the last book I had checked out and asked Mrs. F.G. to bring up an old mystery book for me from the basement where my vast collection of books sits.  She did, but she also brought up the first book in the Harry Potter series and suggested I try it.  I've read the first 20 pages and I'm hooked!

Maybe a little bit of fantasy will take my mind off the poor management of the Covid crisis here in Ontario just now!  We're now being compared to Italy or New York city at their worst a year ago.  And don't let me get started on the politics of it!