I got my second COVID-19 vaccine this week. As a result I experienced chills, fever, headache and pain at the injection site. Twenty-four hours later I felt fine. I still have pain at the injection site. These minor symptoms should not keep you from getting the vaccine. The virus could be much worse and the outcome could be deadly.
This was also the day my dear friend was laid to rest. She passed away in February from complications of COVID-19. I was notified the same day I received the first vaccine. I was already stressed that day and had trepidations about the long term affects of the vaccine. I was not sure I was doing the right thing. When I found out my friend passed away I was devastated, and cried all day.
In the meantime Texas and Mississippi are planning to lift state mandates and rescind the mask order. Many businesses, schools and healthcare facilities will continue to follow CDC guidelines, but they may have difficulty enforcing the order, since it is no longer a state enforced mandate. The grocery store chain H-E-B indicated that it would no longer require customers to wear masks. As a consumer, I am very disappointed, because it is one of my favorite places to shop.
State data has revealed that less than 7% of Texans have been fully vaccinated. The number of COVID-19 patients occupying hospital beds in Texas has declined steadily since late January. We pray there will not be another COVID-19 surge. Currently Texas is 36th in the country for the number of vaccinated individuals.
On another note the governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, refused help from the federal government to give coronavirus testing to migrants before they are released from federal custody. He said it’s a federal responsibility to screen immigrants coming into Texas. How does that help Texans?
Mississippi is having an issue with water in the city of Jackson. Many individual homes have been out of running water for several weeks. Talk about an infection control nightmare. The state is currently ranked number 46th for the amount individuals being vaccinated.
Can we leave politics out this and take care of people? Contrary to what others believe we are all connected. Although many have no idea what the poor and oppressed are experiencing related to health and wellness. Have some empathy. Do your part to keep your neighbor, and other relatives safe.
Please continue to wear a mask, wash your hands or use hand santizier if water is not available. We are all in this together.
Reference
Adams, K and M. Anderson. (2021). States ranked by percentages of COVID-19 vaccines administered: March 5. Retrieved from https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/states-ranked-by-percentage-of-covid-19-vaccines-administered.html
All Things Health and Wellness 