#Middlebury #Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced that they will require their frontline medical staff to get the COVID vaccine. Specifically, they listed “physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants, expanded-function dental auxiliaries and chiropractors who work in Veterans Health Administration facilities, visit VHA facilities or provide direct care to those the VA serves.”
In other words, anyone who touches you in a VA medical setting, breathes on you or handles something they’re about to put in your mouth has to get the vaccine. Thank you, VA.
It was unnerving going to the VA and asking whatever medical person was about to touch me or breathe on me, “So, which vaccine did you get?” only to be told they hadn’t had the vaccine and didn’t intend to get it.
Even waiting for the vaccine was difficult. When my age group finally came along, I ended up at a civilian pharmacy because it was faster. Nobody there had gotten the vaccine either.
And now, unfortunately, we discover that the vaccines don’t work as we thought they would. There are breakthrough cases where fully vaccinated people are still getting the virus, the variants have gained strength, and we’re likely going back to Step One, complete with masks.
If you need to go to a VA facility for health care, call ahead or use the VA health appointment app. You’ll no doubt be met at the door, asked COVID screening questions and have your temperature taken. Have your vaccination card with you and wear a mask. You also might be able to get a telehealth appointment.
Meanwhile, if you’ve gotten lax about safety, get smart again. Do one full minute scrubbing your hands under warm water with an antibacterial soap, including your nails. Hang a mask on the front doorknob so you’ll see it each time you go out.
© 2021 King Features Synd. Inc.
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