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My husband has dementia and is homecared. I have not been able to get info on how/when/where he can get the vaccine.


Also, as his primary caregiver, do I also get one soon?


I know I am not the only person in this situation.

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I know u r eager to get it done, but it seems to currently be a disorganized mess. Did u see some of the stories of elderly people lined up out in the cold? Contact your local HD and unless they offer drive through vaccination, I’d then contact his primary care doctor. Yes there are MANY in your situation.
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Check in with your husband's doctor and with your own doctor to see when you can have the vaccine and who might come to give it. The distribution of vaccine is seeing glitches now we might have expected given this is all new, and there is no national response, only local response. I do know Ma Kaiser isn't on the phone demanding we get ourselves in there to be shot, so I know that they are having problems getting together how to distribute the vaccine, because Kaiser is always quick on preventative care. No harm in calling the MD office but I suspect the answer right now will be "We don't know yet".
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It depends on where on you live.

Here the vaccine is becoming available in pharmacies for people over 70 and over.

No one can just show up. An appointment must be made in advance to receive the vaccine.
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klhblues Jan 2021
Where are you located? thanks
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It's really kind of something you will have to be proactive about. I asked my PCP and he said to get in touch with my oncologist, as I am still considered a 'cancer patient'. PCP said his clinic would probably not have the vaccine for the 'at large population' until mid summer--the first rounds were are going to high risk people.

So--I did contact the oncologist and reminded them I exist and would LOVE a covid shot or two :) Possibly at my next checkup.

Friends who are in health care have gotten theirs--a couple of teacher-friends of mine have too. Slowly, also, through people simply GETTING covid, we're going to see a lot more immunity.

Takes time, though.
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Great question! Check you state/province and county/region websites. I know that my mom's county is setting up appointments and that you need to go to the site where the vaccine is given. Your local public health office should also be able to advise you about how to go about this.
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https://www.moneytalksnews.com/who-will-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-next/?utm_campaign=who-will-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-next&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email
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An experimental medical chemical treatment, called a vaccine? Are you sure you want to put your husband through it?
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Sarah3 Jan 2021
There’s some truth to what you say as usually it takes years for a vaccine to be safely developed and medical trials to ensure its safety. Since it hasn’t even been a year since covid began, this is scarily lightning fast.
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Actually you as his Primary Caregiver should get one first as you're the one leaving the house and can bring it back to him.

I told my Caregivers that I hired for my 96 yr old Dad that they need to get the vaccine that I would not have my Dad get it because of his underlying health problems and I think it would be more dangerous for him to take the vaccine.
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You might want to check with your town Senior Citizen Center. We got a notice that seniors could pre-register for the vaccine and that they will notify us when it'll be available and for appointments.
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I can provide some solid answers for you as a family member is a Doctor on the Chicago Board of COVID Vaccination protocol. #1 First and most important, check with your husband's PCP to make sure he is able to take the CVAC and educate yourself on the side effects of the vaccination. #2 Each state has different vaccination guidelines closely following the CDC guidelines as follows: First to VAC is all medical professionals who have patient contact including FireFighters and EMTS. Second Tier are those in Long Term Care Facilities and those who care for them (as the Vaccination becomes available to that state). Third Tier is the General Public at large. # You should check with your local Health Dept to see when you might be able to get your husband vaccinated. Most local Pharmacists can do this for you. Hope this helps.
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check with your state or county dept of health. Each state is operating slightly differently and is getting different amount of vaccine. If you are in NJ the state has established an online registration site for vaccination. You can apply at any time (when the site has not been overwhelmed) but that will not change the group that you are in. In your case, I would definitely check with your PCP to see if your husband should/can receive the vaccine safely.
Good Luck
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You would need to wait, when a vaccine is developed it takes time for it to become available to the general public. Medical professionals are starting to receive it however to my knowledge you’ll need to wait. And that’s actually a good thing you wouldn’t want him to have it before they complete the proper protocol
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Go to both of your local pharmacy's and ask them When". His Dr. may telll you the same. I am doing this for myself. In Calif. only 20% has been injected. I am asking "why is it not released to our pharmacy"?
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worriedinCali Jan 2021
Probably because it’s a logistical nightmare for pharmacies who not only have to be able to refrigerate the vaccine but also have have enough staff to administer it while the pharmacy operates normal, as well as coordinate getting people back in for the 2nd dose on time.
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Part of the problem with trying to get the vaccine to those at home is that they are packaged so there are 10 doses in the vial.  Once opened all doses must be used within a half hour window or discarded.  My understanding is that once administered you need to be observed for 10 minutes for side effects.
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Amother nightmare. My Moms assisted living has a giant outbreak so I took her home temporarily. They had me bring her back for one inoculation but something bad happened and she had an anxiety attack and super high blood pressure.
The next day they said I can't bring her back at all with out evaluation. The next day after that they sent an email saying she isn't fit to live there anymore. We are still paying 4k a month to save her room.
I have the State involved now but I'm stuck in limbo because they cut me off on all information.

What a mess.
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Imho, check your town/county's site. They should have information on where to receive the Novel Coronavirus vaccine. Prayers sent.
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In Texas, the hospital workers and first responders were first in my area. We are now to those 75 and over. My mom is a home bound ALZ patient and her PCP called her to make an appt (required) for January 13th if she waited to take it (she does). I’m hoping as her primary care giver (59 yrs old) that I can get one soon but I’m still waiting on a response from my own PCP. Here the media is urging people to call their PCP or to contact the County Health Department to get on the waiting list.
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How long has your husband had dementia, what stage is he in?  Personally I can only answer as to what "my family" would do.  My parent did not believe in getting flu/pneumonia shots and never did.  When my father was in NH they would ask every year if he was to get the shot (he had dementia).  My mother and I said "NO".  they respected our wishes.  My mother already told me (she is 93) that she will NOT be getting any covid vaccine (its another type of flu virus).  Depending on what type situation the dementia patient is in, I wouldn't bother, but that's just my opinion.  As far as you getting one, that is only a decision you can make.  IF you feel scared for whatever reason (about the vaccine), don't get it, if you are scared (that you don't want to get sick), then get it.  But either way there is no guarantee that you still won't get it.  You can take precautions when close to loved one, by wearing mask, gloves, etc. (still no guarantee he won't get it OR you).........so its a personal decision.  wishing you luck in whatever you chose.
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Is he a vet? Call the local VA.
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