The BEST. Christmas present!

[Almostslimjim]

Today I got told my grandparents get the COVID vaccine on Thursday! In 4 weeks I will be able to hug them. I can't believe it. I cried I was so happy. My grandparents are so happy, my grandmother cannot wait to go to the supermarket.

They are both extremely vulnerable- DGM has congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and cholesterol and is morbidly obese (though has lost weight this last 12 months and is probably the low end of obese now. And DGD whilst generally fit and well gas a rare blood vessel cancer. I've been so worried for them, not just COVID the isolation they've had too.

I could honestly run through the streets shouting with joy. They live 170miles away and I usually see them monthly but haven't as at that distance door step/ window visits aren't really possible.

I last saw them at my sister's wedding last January. I was due to visit at the end of Feb but by that point I was already treating COVID patients (I returned from may leave early straight to ICU, I'm a Dr), so didn't want to risk them.

4 weeks. 4 weeks until I can hug them.

How lovely op. So happy for you.
Vaccines will change things, obviously they aren't 100%, but life has never been without risk and we can't not have human contact indefinitely. By late January/early Feb all being well it should cut the death rate by 80%, by the time the people listed as priority are vaccinated it will cut death rate by 99%. People will still be getting very unwell when exposed to covid, but at some point people will have to be able to assess their own risk and act accordingly. Ultimately I think we need to rebuild hospital capacity over the next few years. But honestly I've been following all the rules and am very much in favour of current lockdown, but I'm not going to live like this forever.

Sorry, not abandoned the thread, just had to go to work! Back home now.

I thought it was only effective after the second dose?

It is. They have the first this coming week and the second 3 weeks later. I had my first dose last week and my 2nd end of next week. I wasn't expecting to have it but we decided to put TTC on hold for 6 months, though I'm still bfing DC2, though the guidance on that wasn't out when I had my first dose, may as well have the second!

A more appropriate term is “full time wheelchair user”

Actually it's not. She's not a full time wheelchair user. She's wheelchair bound out of the house - her words.

How old are they?
86 & 88.

I'm expecting we'll be in lockdown or tier 4 at the time they have them so it'll be a while before I can travel, but still!

The chances of them being around next year (2022) are very slim so, if a vaccine helps them feel safer, and enjoy the life they do have left to the full then I am all for it. My gran just wants to see the Aldi aisle of crap again 🤣

FFS there are some posters who just love to try to make someone else feel shit about a glimmer of hope. It's such a bizarre way to behave. It wouldn't be so bad if they took the time to read the OP properly. And the faux 'sorry' is so transparently.

I'm pleased for them OP, and for you, it's certainly a step in the right direction.

Well done OP. There are reports that actually, most folk demonstrate strong immunity one week after the first Pfizer vaccine. The second vaccine helps ensure the immune response is more long lasting and acts as a booster for those that are medically or naturally immunocompromised.
In the table below the red line is those in the control group who didn't get the vaccine but got covid. The blue line is the group who were vaccinated. Their covid cases increased up to dry 7 then levelled off.
Obviously it's important to get the second dose, but be reassured that those who have had the first Pfizer vaccine will have a certain degree of protection.
However, it's still too early to know whether the vaccinated can still spread the disease. Only time will tell. Therefore it is advised, not to let your guard down for a second. Social distanced, masks etc will continue for the time being.
However, if I was in your position and myself and my parents had been vaccinated, I think I'd risk a hug or two.

I think it’s wonderful .....anything that gives you hope, makes you feel there is light at the end of a dark tunnel, brings you joy.Happy Hugging x

I totally get your excitement. My Nan declined the vaccine after hearing the reports of allergic reactions in the news. She wouldn’t be persuaded otherwise. Glad that - at least on this thread - people are taking the vaccine when it is offered.

How wonderful, so happy for you, hoping this is the beginning of the end of despair & loneliness for so many people