First, when the pandemic began I was in a Toastmasters meeting and then I got home and found out that we have a pandemic going on from my Dad. At this point we did not know what that meant and everything was closed down for a couple of weeks. Then we got used to working virtually with Zoom, Facetime, Teams and other resources. As we were going through this I got really anxious about the unknown and what was going to happen during the pandemic and how long it was going to last. I know this. Because of my condition I did not want to get sick. I started watching local media coverage to figure out what was going on and as I was doing my research I found out that individuals with developmental disabilities are able to get the vaccine as soon as it became available after doing the vaccine research and trials. My first shot was at a mass vaccination site on the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. We were in the car and I felt weird getting the shot the first time, but then I felt okay getting the shot. My second shot was at the Alyssa Burnett Center with the UW Mobile Unit. After getting the second shot is when my immune system activated. I ended up being in bed for a couple of days with a slight fever, headache, and a sore arm. I continue to wear a mask to this day even though I am fully vaccinated and continue to follow public health guidelines. And I feel better since being vaccinated going out in public and my anxiety is better. I’m nervous to find out what will happen next. Whether we will need a booster shot or if we are good with what we have now.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the pandemic, changes to daily life, and vaccinations, John Wennberg.
It seems like you are doing public health guidelines so very well. You are setting a great example for everyone to follow!