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My mother is 89 and has heart failure , diabetes and high bp. Today she is eligible for vaccine but it’s only being distributed in vaccination centers . I made appointment for Friday but leery about taking her since I fear it will still be long lines and standing outside in cold or inside ....she can barely walk let alone stand ...plus it's not clear I can accompany her ....anyone have any advice ...I’m thinking of canceling and waiting for when more private appointments are available ...there is no one to contact so I’m contacting the politicians in Brooklyn NY to see how the elderly are supposed to navigate this ...any advice?

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Update from my friend who took her blind, 85 year old dad to a vaccination site yesterday (Worth Street in Lower Manhattan). Waiting was indoors, plenty of chairs, everyone was kind and helpful. It was a very positive experience for my friend and her family. Hope that helps!
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Mhillwt, if your Mom has a regular primary doctor, call to see if he/she will be giving out the vaccines.

My primary doctor had called us, and she plans to get her shipment sometime in the near future. She only schedules one client at a time, so no lines or sitting with a lot of other people in the waiting room.

I rather get the vaccine through her, then deal with trying to schedule appointments through the county health center, stand in long lines which are hard on me, and possibly being infected by someone not knowing they have the virus.
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Mhillwt Jan 2021
Most regular drs will not be able to vaccinate since you need special freezers....not sure how orderly this will be given that you have an appointment but it’s still in a gymnasium and I’m assuming lots of people will be there ....I just purchased a transport chair for this very reason but I’m still wondering if I should wait but doubt any private appts will open up
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I would wait and make an appointment with her doctors office when the vaccine becomes available. I would not expose my 98 year old mother to the long lines and cold weather.
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I don't think anyone has brought this up, but without opening a can of worms, I would at least consider the pros and cons of giving a fast-tracked 2-part "vaccine" to an almost 90 year old woman. Is your mom in a private home or care facility? Certainly if she is in a private home I would think long and hard. She is obviously sheltered and protected, so I personally would at least wait a bit to see if there is any fallout from the vaccine as it is distributed further. If she is in a care facility, the situation is a little different and the vaccine may even be required. Not telling you what to do. Just saying that if it were my mom I would think long and hard. Just because a medication is available doesn't mean you should take it, especially one with so many unknowns. Best wishes.
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AnnReid Mar 2021
My LO, age 92, has survived two bouts with Covid, various geriatric ailments and received her second dose of vaccine a week ago.

I’ve thought about and researched the vaccines since the discussion about them began. The actual RESEARCH is a decade older.

I have thought “long and hard”. There were many people at the vaccination site yesterday who had to have been above the age of 90, were using assistive mobility devices, and some were morbidly obese.

Choosing a vaccine over the risk of consequences of Covid at the age of 90, I have no concerns about the vaccine being a reasonable choice.
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I doubt there is a plan yet. NYC just got approval to even vaccinate your mother! The previous plan was a farce and results in a lot of vaccines being thrown out.
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Mhillwt Jan 2021
there are appointments now for people over 75 - i got one but its not close to her home ie 40 min drive and its a large vaccination center in a school - i fear it will be lots of people, waiting and confusion and she couldnt handle that...i think im going to wait for something nearer to home that may be more private - if that even will exist!
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I'm in NYC. I have friends who got elderly parents vaccinated today with no issues.

I think by Friday, you should be able to scope out what the situation is at the site where you have your appointment.
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Mhillwt Jan 2021
So they went to vaccination sites in nyc ....do you know if they had to wait on lines outside or inside ?
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WIC, Shingles is a two dose vaccine. For me the first one was ok. The booster kinda knocked me for a loop.
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Call the health department. There must be some plan. Can she get it at a nearby nursing home?
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Take her. You are her means of mobility so you shouldn't be separated from her. There may never be a private appointment available anywhere.
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worriedinCali Jan 2021
That’s what everyone here is overlooking. These aren’t single serve vaccines like the flu and shingles vaccine. It’s not realistic to expect a private appointment when they have a very limited time to use each COVID vaccine vial.
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??? Individual health needs, practical logistics and comparative risk assessment? I certainly wouldn't ask a politician.

I'm assuming (but I think it's a fair assumption) that your system will be broadly similar to ours, and that all of these mass vaccination clinics are being run on the same lines: your appointment will be a 20 minute time slot which allows for 15 minutes post-jab observation; you will be in and out of there like can of peas on a production line. Just don't be late! - but avoid arriving early, too, which I know is tricky. How will you be getting her there?

We were sat in the sports hall of a large leisure centre, on plastic school chairs which we were given wipes to wipe down after we got up. All of the doors were open for ventilation so yes it was FREEZING - make sure she's got a good coat, warm hat and boots and gloves, but underneath have her clothing loose enough to pull down from her shoulder.

Ring the centre and ask about accompanying her - if you have or can borrow a wheelchair so much the better. Or you might find there's a FAQ section on a website somewhere: who's organising the centres?
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