Vaccine Update...

Growing up I remember that my Dad’s closet was pretty organized. Ties were on the door, casual clothes in one section and suits in another. And on the high shelf to the right, was a special shoebox that contained all of the Disneyland A-E ticket books, leftover from prior years. Before every Disneyland trip we'd rifle through this box, taking stock of what we had and what we'd need. There were always tons of leftover A tickets because they were for attractions like Sleeping Beauty's castle (meh). But the E tickets were the hot tamales of the tickets. Those puppies got you on the big rides, like the matterhorn and, there were never enough of them. 

Fast forward to today where we're still clambering for tickets to Disneyland but, todays E ticket gets you a COVID-19 vaccine. And Walt's "Happiest Place on Earth" is currently referred to as, "Disneyland, Super POD" (Point-Of-Dispensing).    

In Orange County, California we're being referred to THIS LINK which belongs to Othena (CuraPatient), a HIPAA compliant app that is being used to coordinate the vaccine administration sites. This site is only for OC, CA residents so if you live elsewhere I would do an online search using the words, "Public Health COVID vaccine" and your counties name. As an example, I just enteredNew York Public Health COVIDand and was immediately directed to a link related to vaccine administration. This morning a friend of mine from Salem Oregon shared that the local hospital is coordinating their vaccine administration. So, ask around or even call your physician.

Because the Othena site just rolled out it isn't incredibly intuitive so, I thought I'd outline some tips from when I used it, trying to get Mom an appointment. The first point is to be patient because they are still working out glitches and are overwhelmed by the volumes of people trying to use it (code word for, it crashes a lot). I cannot fathom the complexity of this undertaking and am sure we will see continued improvement.

There is an age prioritizing system on Othena so, although you may be able to register for the vaccine, if your age/population isn't being served yet, then you may not get a time slot. Again... patience. Once registered you will be notified, at a later date, when you can log back in and choose a location and time slot. So, do write down your ID and password so you can login later (or any time to check back yourself). Below is what the registration form looks like.

Because of my Mom's age (almost 90 yahoo...) I was quickly through the authorization and registration pages and to the Book Appointment screen (sorry I didn't take a screenshot). On this screen there is a monthly calendar with highlighted dates. When I did it, there were only three dates (1/13, 1/14, 1/15) but days and times are constantly being added (and as of this morning they were scheduling for this Saturday, 1/16). To schedule, click on one of the highlighted dates and then look for the blank location/address section to the right. Click on the down arrow of that box and then highlight one of the addresses for available times to come up. When I did it only Huntington Beach (HB) and Disneyland Super POD locations were available but I'm sure, with time, more locations will roll out. No available times ever came up in HB but once I highlighted Disneyland, five time slots appeared on the left. Now don't get too excited and do a jig when you see a time because it will be snapped up like nobody's business. Instead act on it, highlight the time and without delay hit submit or some other lucky gal or fella will swoop in. It took me three times until I saw "Appointment Booked". Once you see that, victory dance can ensue (but don't close your browser window).

Once you're settled down again print that sheet from your computer because it has your Appointment ID number on it and you need to show that confirmation sheet to them or they will turn you away. Some people are receiving email confirmations but we never did so again, take control and make a copy for yourself. Also, the fine print says to bring your personal ID too, so don't forget that when it comes time.

Below is a map of the location at Disneyland (aka Super POD). And know that if you get off at Katella there is plenty of signage.

So far I've heard nothing but praise for Disneyland and also the fairgrounds in Salem Oregon. I hear it's all very organized and everyone is friendly (so hopefully we can all be the same in return). At Disneyland you will first enter using a very long line but don't be concerned because being Disneyland they know how to deal with crowds and they are on it and that line moves swiftly. After the first line you are directed to the correct parking location and asked to wait, in your car, until your appointment time (as of yesterday they were about an hour behind schedule so take some reading material and relax). A volunteer will let you know when it's time for you to get out of your car and into a line (socially distanced) headed towards one of many small tents where you will get vaccinated. They will have you wait there for 15 minutes, post vaccine, just to be on the safe side and then off you go. And remember to sterilize your hands when you get back in your car. Yesterday, I heard from someone that their time looked something like, arrival 12:15P, scheduled vaccine 1P, actual vaccine administration 2P. Again, patience and kindness.

As most of us know post vaccination you may just get the old muscle pain that happens after an intramuscular injection (aka the good ole shot in the arm). And although not anticipated, if you do experience anything unusual then do call your physician. We have some soup ready for Mom in case she needs to rest for the next day or so. But besides this potential discomfort, it will just be about waiting for dose number 2.

Mom knows that nothing will change for her after today's vaccine (or for any of you either). You will still need the second vaccine and even then immunity won't kick in for about twelve or so days after. And even then, according to the CDC masks and social distancing will still be necessary (even after the second dose) while the "experts continue to learn about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions". We all want this pandemic to end so, please remember that.

Although the circumstances of the last year have been so challenging we are so lucky to have so very many people trying their best to make sure we are safe. And I think we should all be appreciative for that. I asked Mom is she was nervous at all about getting the vaccine today to which she replied, "if it's good enough for the Queen Mum, then it's good enough for me". Now, that's the way to approach it. Way to go Mom...

Take care gang. And please remain safe.
xo Kathryn
A Happy Balance