COVID-19 vaccine is allowing the generation who invented rock and roller to get back to their roots.
Boomers were seen sharing the information about the best websites to get their vaccinations and posting pictures of themselves getting injected on Facebook.
Many boomers, tired of watching Netflix, eating stress-inducing foods, and looking for new hobbies in their later years, were eager to make a comeback.
Many people who were able to get a vaccine appointment before they were available said that it was like winning the lotto. They had visions of hugging their grandchildren, making trips abroad, or booking appointments with the hairdresser.
Some people feel the same way as blogger Terry Cryer, who said on her blog “I opened my laptop and stared in disbelief at the screen.” In bold print, the message was from my local health department, confirming I would be receiving my first COVID vaccine on the next day. The slang used by the media to describe a vaccination ‘win’ is referred to as ‘golden ticket’. “I leaned forward as I couldn’t recall winning anything more than a dime store cake pan at the county fair. And read the message two times.”
In an article published by Texas Monthly, Boomer Ruth Pennebaker stated: “Since Texans aged 65 or older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, me and my friends have been exchanging emails and text messages with links to registration websites, encouraging one another and reporting on which sites actually work. It’s a mass of mania and competition online. John, my friend, says that he’s not been this agitated since trying to get tickets for “Hamilton.” We’re not just losing it over the vaccination; we also have big plans for the future.”
As a 60-year-old, I have recently joined older boomers in being fully vaccinated. After the initial excitement of receiving my second vaccination, I wasn’t sure what to do next.
What is the safest way to get the party started and to “boogie down”?
The Good News
Here’s some good news. About 95 percent of boomers are immune to COVID after two weeks of receiving the second dose.
This is great news, as the elderly are more likely to die from coronavirus.
My blogging friend and author Cat Michaels, who is very cautious and avoids social contact and disguises herself in public while remaining on guard admits that getting the vaccination was comforting. She said, “Getting the vaccination was THE MOST fantastic and ginormous relieve.” My neck and shoulders muscles have finally relaxed. I am also sleeping better. My fairy godmother has vanquished my evil dragon who was threatening me at every turn. Even went to the grocery store! I went to the grocery store (gasp!) for the second consecutive time within 12 months. Now, you can run short errands with no fear.”
The Bad News
Here’s the bad: Although boomers were among the nation’s first to receive a full vaccination and are eager to return to the outside world, safety measures must be observed.
These vaccines may not be 100 percent effective. Many parts of the nation haven’t been immunized yet. And new, deadly and contagious strains of viruses are emerging, with uncertainty over the efficacy of vaccines.
Scientists are trying to determine how long the vaccine’s protection will last.
Some boomers are more tolerant, but others have an attitude of devil may care. Some are reluctant to go to bars or restaurants where there is no social distance between people or masks. I’m definitely in that group.
While some boomers are planning trips, the majority aren’t booking for 2020. Gary Pollard CTC, President of Ambassador Tours, said in an interview with TravelPulse.com that “we have noticed an increase in inquiries regarding 2022 and even 2023.” Most of the confirmed reservations are for clients who had planned to travel in 2020 and 2021, but are now looking at further dates. Travel industry professionals have noticed that older customers have chosen to take domestic holidays in 2021.
There is still confusion regarding what’s safe and not after being fully immunized.
Many boomers have taken a step forward and are asking, “What next?”
Experts’ Viewpoint
According to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest guidelines, people who are fully vaccinated can:
Visit with others who have been fully immunized as well as those unvaccinated (including your precious grandchildren), who may be at low-risk for serious illness due to COVID, indoors and in small groups.
You can enjoy outdoor recreation and activities without wearing a mask, as long as you are not in crowded areas.
Resuming domestic travel
Asymptomatic people who are fully immunised no longer need to be self-quarantined or tested after exposure to COVID or travel.
Public-health officials emphasize that basic guidelines for health still apply even when a person receives both vaccine doses. People who have been vaccinated should avoid crowds, wear masks, keep a safe distance and wash their hands frequently.
What does this mean to me?
As with other boomers I also felt immense relief. My stress level is lower when running errands or going to the store. I also felt more comfortable visiting the hairdresser, dentist and optometrist (all in disguise, of course). I’d put these appointments off for about a year. Next on my list is a checkup with the doctor.
The best part was that I finally got to see my son, his wife and my granddaughter, all of whom are fully vaccinated. This reunion took place after more than one year. Absolute priceless!
We also bought a camper trailer for our domestic travel.
However, I will still be careful. It’s not a problem for me to wear a mask, wash my hands and avoid crowds.
Helen Anders, a boomer who wrote for Texas Monthly in an article entitled “We’ll continue to wear masks” said it well: We’ll be smiling under the masks, you can rest assured.
