Love makes the world go around. It certainly motivates people to get their COVID-19 vaccination.
Treasure Coast Community Health (TCCH) held COVID-19 vaccination events at Regency Park, The Salvation Army and TCCH’s 787 Medical Office on March 13, 2021. These events targeted 262 underserved individuals and those meeting Governor DeSantis’ mandates.
Jason Frandsen, Executive Director of Regency Park, and Kayla Moore, Salvation Army Program Coordinator of Social Services, point to safety, depression and anxiety as reasons they joined forces with TCCH. “[This event is] a huge sense of relief and assurance that they are finally getting the vaccine so they can be protected during this pandemic. We’re excited to return back to normal and get our residents out and enjoying their time here,” Jason said. For Kayla, vaccinations mean a return of volunteers, “[Our volunteers] are thrilled to be back which mean we can accomplish more when we have more people here to help.”
It is true that safety, depression and anxiety are very real reasons to be vaccinated. However, it is ultimately an end to isolation and a return to loved ones that motivates most of us to stand in line for a shot in the arm.
Anticipation and hope were in abundance as people, some who have not seen their loved ones in over a year, received a vaccine. Many have isolated themselves completely, other than the bare necessities, from family and friends. The vaccine will provide Jose face-to-face contact with children and grandchildren that he is longing to see. The majority of Jose’s large family lives in Florida yet their main contact is through Zoom – it is just not the same. He feels fantastic about getting the vaccine, and said, “The amount of stress of hearing about people dying every day, it gets to you. You get very depressed. Is it my turn coming next? I’ll still wear my mask. That’s not a problem with me because it protects me and the other person too.”
Carmen and Emily are Barbara’s caretakers. All three have isolated as much as possible for Barbara’s health. Barbara has not seen her three children who live out of state during the entire pandemic. Fear of infecting their mom keeps them at bay. Carmen hurries through grocery shopping during off hours to avoid crowds. To keep Barbara safe, Emily also foregoes seeing family and keeps her children isolated as much as possible. “We all stay at home and try to find things to do and not go out. It’s hard on my kids. They go crazy,” Emily said. All three agree they will remain vigilant with masks and social distancing while eagerly expanding their social lives.
Paul and his daughter Emily received shots to protect Emily’s grandmother; they both act as her caretakers. Paul has isolated himself for a year to shield his love ones, “There will definitely be some relief there. That’s what I’m looking forward to.” Emily, relieved to protect herself and the seniors she provides direct care for, is most looking forward to her grandma and daughter being able to spending time together. “It will be nice for me to bring [my daughter] to the park to play with her great granddaughter or take her to get ice cream because she hasn’t been able to get out at all in the last year,” Emily said, which also means brighter days with her grandmother’s mental health.
For some, like Constance, daily life will continue as normal with a promise to see loved ones living out of reach. Since the pandemic started, she still ran errands and saw a select group of local, quarantined friends. However, travel beyond Vero Beach kept Constance from seeing her son in Tampa and sister in Texas. After her second shot on April 9, Constance is planning to see family, “I’ve been sending [my sister] cards and letters and gifts. I haven’t seen her in a year. I will also be able to see my son for his birthday on April 21.”
And, with all things new, some individuals would rather opt-out. Daniel, an 88-year-old Marine veteran, did not want the vaccination. “I’ve spent many years in the Marine Corp. I don’t need a shot,” he said. His wife, Patricia had open-heart surgery within the last year, which meant extreme isolation. Their daughter, Norah, who dislikes shots of all kinds, recently became Patricia’s full time caregiver. All three received the shot. For Patricia, this means a return to gathering with family and friends. Norah will remain cautious but knows, “we are probably safer now.” And Daniel… he was vaccinated because he loves his wife. “I’m very protective of her,” he said.
It is critical that healthcare organizations continue to form community partnerships to best serve those who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. As a result, everyone feels safer and that is what matters. When safety replaces fear, lives start to become normal again, and that is why TCCH’s mission of Healthcare For All is so important.
