It’s September, which means that it’s time to get your flu and COVID shots. In my area, flu shots became available early this past week, and COVID shots started being available within the past couple of days. Earlier this week, I got the flu vaccine and today, I received the COVID jab. I knew the flu shot was coming and I checked the apps of area pharmacies often. That’s how I knew it was time to get it.
I wasn’t expecting the COVID vaccine to be available for a couple of weeks, but I did my daily search this morning. Sure enough, one pharmacy updated its app this morning to show that shots were available today. That pharmacy? CVS. At 9:04, I made an appointment for 9:30. I ran out the door and arrived at the location that’s a quarter mile away from my home.
Less than fifteen minutes later, the needle was in my arm. I was honestly expecting to walk away sans poke because of insurance issues. Last year, plans didn’t start paying for the vaccine until late September. Today, everything was all set. I was expecting a co-pay given that CVS is an out-of-network pharmacy for me, but I paid not a penny.
Because I was vigilant, I was that location’s first pokee given that this morning was the first time they offered the COVID shot this season. You can do it too. Download the apps for your area pharmacies and check them several times a day. Or pretend it’s 1996 and call them. If you stay on top of things, you can get your flu and COVID jabs before the crowd hits.
Yes, it’s early in the season and maybe I should have waited in order to ensure that my protection lasts all season, but I stand behind my decision. Once the vaccines become effective, I will be protected. There are many who will wait several months and there are those who will decline one or both shots altogether for whatever retarded reason. They will do so at their peril.
I am definitely prepared this year. I have the two most critical shots crossed off the list. I have ensured that we have a six-month supply of toilet paper just in case things go sideways and the supply chain gets disrupted again. When toilet paper became unavailable nationwide years ago, many people were not prepared. We were and are.
Now’s the time, folks. Get your shots. Stock up on toilet paper and other critical supplies as well as canned foods. Ignore this advice and watch what happens if the worst happens.