Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate: Dr. Cynthia Speaks!
Topic: Caregivers, Eldercare Includes COVID-19 Boosters
On yesterday, Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate received her booster vaccination. I’m a Phizer girl! Whatever I can do to keep my family and others safe, I am in the front of every line. While waiting for my 15-minutes to pass to be released, the researcher in me is always observant of my surroundings. I was particularly interested in the suggestive age ranges of those waiting for vaccinations or recovery after receiving injections. I’m always looking for my next research project and an opportunity to write an article in hopes of being published. That process is arduous…a topic for another day, another time…LOL.
As I sat, waiting for my name to be called, an elderly lady walked in. She proceeded to tell the receptionist about her appointment time and that she was early because she had to take the train. She walked with a quad cane and a shuffle. She carried a duffle bag, and, from my vantage point, it appeared much too heavy. I thought to myself, where is her support person? Maybe she lives alone. Maybe she was that independent person in her younger days and is still trying to operate in the past days.
My concerns were for her safety in our current climate and who would monitor her after she was home to ensure the vaccine did not have any side effects, and other thoughts raced through my mind.
Then, I paused and felt grateful that she was taking care of herself by getting her vaccination. If you have family members that need to get vaccinated, please take the time to go with them. Any event that is new or different requires support. If seniors are living alone in your community, watch out for them. If you’re caring for an older loved one, demonstrate support and guidance, especially related to their health.
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot-Who Is Eligible
If you are in the role of caregiver, know that you can assist in helping your loved ones to be fully vaccinated. COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots are currently available for the following Pfizer vaccine recipients who completed their initial series of vaccinations. Contact your local health department, your healthcare practitioner’s office for the information you seek.
What You Need to Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states…COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots are available for the following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least six months ago( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Current requirements are:
65 years and older
Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
Age 18+ who work in high-risk settings
Age 18+ who live in high-risk settings
I can only encourage you to be supportive of your loved ones, friends, and acquaintances. In the big scheme of things, regardless of age, we are our brother’s keeper. Be well, be safe, and bye for now.
