floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK US government can screw up a one man funeral let alone try to administer economical and efficient heath care.

That may or may not be be so, but it doesn’t prove that it is impossible for a national health service to deliver economical and efficient health care. Nor does it prove that for profit private enterprise can do it any better.

Called the Covid vaccine number yesterday...was told to go to the mall between 1 and 4 today...we got there early (11) and there was already a line but they had plenty of people to guide and register everyone, got the vaccine about 11:30. Then we parked in an area that had you wait 15 minutes. It all went smoothly..we will be called for the second shot in 21 days. (Pfizer). We are in southern Colorado, me 74, hubby 73.

So apparently my daughter got me a slot at 1 on Saturday at a local grocery store. She had to get up at 5 AM to get it but couldn't get another for my husband. But she did get him one in Lancaster county and he told her it was too far to drive even though he drives that far to play golf so she's done with him and I don't blame her.

The UK started vaccinating earlier than the US...on Dec. 8. The US started on Dec 14. Also, the UK has expanded the interval between the first & second doses from 3-4 weeks to 12 weeks in order to get at least one dose into more people sooner. (A wise move, IMO.). Making the most of their supply.

As well as being a small country vs the huge expanse of the US & the logistical challenges that go with being a large area. The state of New York is larger than the whole of your main island.

Each individual state was directed to develop a vaccination plan. Some states have come up with much more efficient systems than others.

One different approach for instance:

"West Virginia did not take part in the federal program to administer the COVID-19 vaccines to long-term care residents and staff through a partnership with CVS and Walgreens. Instead, the state worked with a broad array of pharmacies to immunize residents and workers at nursing homes and assisted living communities. West Virginia finished delivering both vaccine doses in its 214 long-term care facilities in late January."

There were other factors like Pfizer missing their dose delivery target due to supply chain issues. The UK is using vaccines from 3 different manufacturers, Pfizer, Moderna & Oxford AstraZeneca. Only Pfizer & Moderna vax are being used in the US.

So all things are not equal when comparing one country with another. But, yes, the roll-out in the US has been disappointing, to say the least. There are a lot of reasons why, some are valid (like Pfizer missing target doses due to supply chain issues) and some are just excuses made by unqualified people who are in positions they are not qualified for, public & private.

Well since I am retired, I was able to devote hours every day to trying to find the vaccine. I did register with the county and with the health network that my primary care doctor is with.........but I also jumped on numerous websites that people had shared. I did get an appointment a few weeks ago and then within hours of making the appointment, it was canceled.

Then I tried numerous others and finally was able to get an appointment for me and DH for the first AND second shots.

Our appointment was today, and I kept hoping it would actually happen.

To my utter amazement and delight we got our first Pfizer shot. The hospital was so efficient and orderly, it totally exceeded any expectations I might have had. I will admit, I was expecting disaster but so happy that I was so so so wrong.

This was possible only because a friend kept passing along every rumor she heard and we pounced on each and every one. No governmental agency or commission or department OR medical staff guided us in any way. This was all just word of mouth or as I say, scavenger hunting.

So thankful that we got the first shot. I still can hardly believe.................oh and I am in Pennsylvania which on the national scope of tracking % of doses administered, is soaring from 44 the other day to a stellar 40 as of late. ( so almost edging out of the bottom 10%)

Many states are vaccinating slowly to make sure they have an adequate supply to give recipients their 2nd dose on schedule. Other states are jabbing as fast as possible and crossing their fingers they'll get more product in time to administer the second shot on schedule (some won't).

The UK is using the controversial AZ vaccine (it's failed to get approval so far in a number of countries) and also waiting 12 weeks between shots. So far Israel is leading the race with 50% of their population getting 1st shots. Pfizer gave them millions of free doses and is using their population to further study results.

Slow isn't a bad thing when distributing an experimental vaccine. I might wait until Moderna v-2 comes out, though it might be a booster requiring a 3rd shot.

Have you seen the snow/ice/cold predicted for northern Illinois tonight? hat storm is starting now. I hope i'm able to get my shot at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, regardless of the hospital being only a couple of miles away. It looks like next available dates are after Feb. 15. DH has yet to be 'invited', although he's three years older than I.

I suspect that in the USA the problem isn't the government - it is the governments. The process is fragmented, from states down to counties, with all sorts of competencies put in charge of the actual boots on the ground vaccination sites.

Private insurance also seems to be a confusing factor for some, who fear that they will have to pay for the vaccine therefore aren't signing up to get it.

BTW Israel also has a national healthcare system which perhaps has played a role in their successful vaccination program.

I hope you get your shot tomorrow chisue. Let us know how it goes.

floral uk, I would rather an NHS type of healthcare here.I have friends in UK. Seen them go through many many health issues--minor, medium and serious. And of course, it's not been perfect, but it has been good overall. I've been impressed for the most part. I hope over here, now that things are getting back to a more normal state of affairs, we will improve on the vaccine distribution. So far, at least in CA, it's been not too good.

Daughter secured a more local one for her father so he's happy.

Lily -- Tell him to take his clubs. haha

Lily, apparently she wasn't truly done with him! Nice of her to get appts for her parents.

I was fed up chasing the various site coordinators who changed every day and called the actual health department to see if/when/where a clinic for people like myself who have allergies that have caused swelling that could be life threatening. I was told that there had been one last month but there was none setup right now. I had started to unsubscribe to the signup and am now glad I did not because that would be where the notification would be. I am surprised that none had been set up because beyond the swelling if you carry an epi pen people would need the special medical clinic to be safe.

I live in CA, I signed up online (the virtual waiting room) was notified an appointment was available. yesterday, drove to Disneyland, was in and out in about 15 minutes. My DH went today, same thing easy to get in and out. Everyone was very polite, it was very organized.

I have not read anywhere (yet) that Pfizer gave free vaccine to Israel. This is from the NPR:

How has tiny Israel beat out bigger countries on COVID-19 vaccinations, securing a steady stream of vials and inoculating a larger share of its citizenry than any other nation?

Israel paid a premium, locked in an early supply of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines and struck a unique deal: vaccines for data.

The nation of some 9 million promised Pfizer a swift vaccine rollout, along with data from Israel's centralized trove of medical statistics to study "whether herd immunity is achieved after reaching a certain percentage of vaccination coverage in Israel," according to their agreement.

"We said to Pfizer ... that the moment they give us the vaccine, we'll be able to vaccinate at the speed they've never heard of," Israel's health minister Yuli Edelstein tells NPR...

Entire article at the link:

https://www.npr.org/2021/01/31/960819083/vaccines-for-data-israels-pfizer-deal-drives-quick-rollout-and-privacy-worries

ETA: The Jerusalem Post is reporting: Israel will pay approximately a combined NIS 1 billion for both doses of the Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccines, KAN uncovered on Monday.

The bill to Pfizer stands at NIS 775 million, while the Moderna bill trails behind at NIS 320 million.

NIS 775 million = approx. 235.5 million USD

Gee I think you stopped listening too soon. Sadly that and the denial that there is a problem is why this country and others have had so many die.

600 million vaccines to vaccinate 300 people. Now wonder people can't get appointments for the vaccine. Wow each person get vaccinated not twice, but 2000000 times according to Alzheimer man.

Never started. Look at my and embothriums comments in the what annoys you thread

Over 36% of covid deaths in the US have been in long term care facilities. 72% of covid deaths in New Hampshire have been in LTC; 66% in Rhode Island down to only 3% in Alaska.

Along with denial of the fact that lifestyle choices lead to developing co-morbidities like obesity (40% of US population) and diabetes (10.5% of the US population). It isn't just about masks, social distance, hygiene; it's also about personal responsibility. 'We' can do our part to help prevent the spread but we can't do your part for you. Like keeping your hand out of the cookie jar.

So why did you bother to get a shot, sounds like you consider yourself bulletproof.

I have to moan when I see the comments about co-morbidities. While some can be prevented there are others that start from childhood. Peoples bodies start wearing out once they reach maturity and there will be parts that stop functioning or are injured that no one can do anything about. Some of the morbidities such as diabetes are caused by the isle simply not functioning correctly or perhaps never functioning at all since babies are born with diabetes. Any virus can damage body parts especially the heart. Heart damage prevents people from exercising enough to have their body return to their teenage shape. I do wish people would look beyond what they consider self inflicted problems to the actual causes of the problems some of which are simply growing older or being from the wrong genetic pool.

Apparently some would rather people with asthma not use the various steroids so that they can be a healthy weight. This goes for other of those morbidities also except the medication may be different.

Maiflueur, you are being general. I was quite specific. Reread what I actually said.

So why did you bother to get a shot, sounds like you consider yourself bulletproof.

Stupid question. I have stated previously that I consider getting the vax to be a social/ civic responsibility. It is a 'conscience thing'.

sounds like you consider yourself bulletproof.

One other thing. Be careful jumping to conclusions. You could break your neck.

You seem to have a nasty habit of trying to put words in other people's mouths. And I thought you were educated?

Aside from that, I do not live on an island. I cohabitate with someone who has spectrum of co-morbidities. Self-inflicted and genetic.

C Martin, I went to Disneyland also, out visit taking about 1 hour. They are doing a good job there, but too bad they had to close a few days for weather. Rescheduling all those people has to be difficult. We get the second shot next week. Othena emailed us with date and time. Luckily DH and I got the same date and time, so no need to make two trips. Be sure to watch span folder if you are waiting for the second shot email, but mine didn't go in spam. You can also check your account on Othena app. There have been complaints about it but it worked for us.

I was so happy yesterday when Walgreens called me to get the shot! It was the Moderna one but I would have been happy with either one. Since I hadn't heard anything from my local health department after signing up online, I went in to town on Saturday and signed up at Walgreens and Meijer. I'm a happy camper today!!! March 4 is the second shot.

functionthenlook - love the Alzheimer's man, gotta remember that one :)

Direct quote from WhiteHouse.gov on January 26,2021

"This is enough vaccine to fully vaccinate 300 Americans by the end of the summer, beginning of the fall.

I read very well thank you but unlike the post my conclusion is that there are actual medical reasons especially for the continued fat shaming. Most of the posts start with obesity rather than the other health problems which cover more people. People are born with diabetes and as they age the isles either stop functioning or slow down. People from childhood diseases or injuries lack the ability to obtain enough exercise. Virus's can attack any part of the body but they do like the heart. Which is a horror story with Covid that few are mentioning other than in a general way. Hard to exercise when your heart muscles are gradually becoming softer and softer from the damage years ago.

Chisue (I never put your name together 'til I saw your super-simple explanation!) did you manage to get your shot? Hope so!

DH drove me to our hospital's vaccination site this frigid morning. I had an appointment; he didn't. They took both of us. They were planning to give 500 shots today.

The atmosphere was almost *festive*! Everyone was smiling and thanking the volunteers staffing the site. A clockwork operation, in and out in 45 minutes. We got stickers...but no party hats. haha

"...my conclusion is that there are actual medical reasons especially for the continued fat shaming. Most of the posts start with obesity rather than the other health problems which cover more people."

Such as? 40% of the US is considered to be obese. What other health problem covers 'more people'.

The CDC says: Obesity Worsens Outcomes from COVID-19Having obesity may triple the risk of hospitalization due to a COVID-19 infection. Obesity is linked to impaired immune function. Obesity decreases lung capacity and reserve and can make ventilation more difficult. As BMI increases, the risk of death from COVID-19 increases.

Statement of fact.

Is the CDC 'fat shaming'?

Assuming that all obesity is caused only from "poor" life style choices IS fat shaming!!

gardengal, don't waste your time. A person who understands 20% and thinks it's 100% makes up their own reality.

Heart disease normally starts with damage to the heart for starters. I could go on and on but people who think all medical problems from kidney disease, lupus, MS, MD etc. are caused by obesity will never change their minds. A little light reading is all that is needed. I gained 40 pounds taking steroids one 7 day the second 14 day back when steroids were the cure from everything from an ingrown toe nail to a headache. For some reason I do not think the scarring in my lungs is from me being fat after taking that crap.

I had my first shot through my job and my pre-existing condition. I have not been able to get a shot for my elderly dad. I'm working on that.

Assuming that all obesity is caused only from "poor" life style choices IS fat shaming!!

Another high jumper trying to put words in someone else's mouth. Of course ALL obesity isn't due to life style. There can be a genetic component as well as medications such as anti-rejections drugs for a couple.

You are welcome to add to the list.

DH is off getting his vaccine this afternoon, and I will get mine tomorrow. Finally! We have been trying to register for almost a week, and the crazy site is not easy to work with.

No words needed only to read what is posted.

From the CDC:

In 2017–2018, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity in adults was 42.4%, and there were no significant differences between men and women among all adults or by age group.

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

LOL! You put the words there yourself! Issuing broad, unclarified statements like "along with denial of the fact that lifestyle choices lead to developing co-morbidities like obesity (40% of US population)" provides the distinct impression that lifestyle choices are the sole reason for obesity. If you do not mean it to be interpreted that way perhaps you should rephrase it better.

ETA: obesity seems to be a bit of an obsession here..........

I am so frustrated. Montgomery County has 830,000 people. The allotment of vaccine has been 5000 does per week. This week was shorted by 3500. They only got 1500. I do think that the healthcare workers are already covered. There are no large vaccine locations because there is no vaccine. And yes, we qualify for the current phase.

My cousin called me yesterday and in our conversation, we mentioned in our young lives no one we knew was overweight let on obese, and every single relative we had was thin and even those who married into our family. This 40% obesity is alarming and it all has to do with the fast-food obese people consume. I haven't been to a fast food place in 40 years and my parents never were. My mother and I always had healthy homecooked meals every day of our lives . Today when driving down the highway the lines circled Chik fil a, KFC and Mcdonalds and that was the family's dinner. Sad. I must have done right because both kids prepare healthy sit down meals every night and both are vegetarians, one considering becoming vegan.

My employer sent out an email to the entire company that had an attached letter stating that all employees of the company are essential workers and are immediately eligible for the covid vaccine according to the US Transportation Board guidelines. We are to print out the letter and present it when requesting the vaccine.

I work in the rail transportation industry. Since my position allows me to work from home, I don't feel that I should take advantage of the opportunity to jump to the head of the queue to get the vaccine now. I can wait my turn. Our train crews and other workers that must work on site are another story. To date we have had over 700 employees in the US and Mexico test positive for the 'rona. Approximately 10% of the workforce.

I wonder if there's some tie to America eating too much fast food when more women entered the workforce -- their earnings necessary for our consumer-weighted economy.

I'm not knocking 'the working woman'. My DM raised me on her own. However, there are demographic losses when women have to do it all -- or families think they need more income/more 'stuff' instead of more time in the home.

I never really thought about it, but quite possibly. Although women were really forced in during WWI (in Europe and somewhat in America) and WWII (Europe and America) and never chose to leave. Their choice, and if they didn't want to, I'm fine with that. Not that it wouldn't have happened anyway with the social trends in place, I'm thinking; both my grandmothers and all my great-aunts had at least a bachelor's-- a bit unusual for my generation. Nowadays it's much more normal.

My mother didn't choose to stay home after my formative years and more power to her.

As to why we're so resistant to stay-at-home fathers is another story. :-)

On the other hand, I learned to cook (clean, wash, sew, and so on) at quite appropriate ages, and did so for the family as I grew. Simple meals aren't time-consuming and can be pre-prepared with some assistance.

But we're really drifting off the base subject now. :-)

I did see on the NYT that 1.3 million were receiving the vaccine daily: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html

But those would be first doses.

As of this morning my age group became eligible. By midday my doctor’s surgery had rung and DH and I are booked in for this Friday at our local centre, about 20 minutes away on foot. All the medical practices in our town have cooperated and set up a single appointment system and single venue. We’re so excited! It’ll be quite the fun outing.

So far 15 million have been vaccinated here. One target this government has actually achieved, two days ahead of schedule to boot.

It's definitely getting a bit more available here, and of course that is good news and I am thankful. ( we go a week from today for our 2nd Pfizer shot).

However, it's still so poorly organized and there is no process or procedure in place which I still find insane.

Someone posted about bringing her 90ish year old mother for a shot and while it's great she can do that, there really needed ( and still needs) to be outreach for the elderly and disabled.

It really stuns me that this was not given any thought.

It stuns me how little though went into this.

If I did not listen to every rumor or suggestion of what link to click we would still be searching. ( I am 67 and DH is with several health issue and age 70)

The vaccine is a miracle and I am thankful we got it- ---

Let's hope it keeps getting distributed.

Love to see the new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths *dropping* from their highs. Maybe we can get on top of this before Covid figures out more contagious or deadly mutations.

NPR is reporting that the US is now vaccinating 1.6 million per day and that more than 50 million doses have been administered. Bloomberg is reporting 53.8 million doses administered. We are getting to the time where a small % of the doses administered daily is the second dose. I have an appt Saturday for my second dose.