The vaccines we’ve been eagerly anticipating are finally here. What a tumultuous year it has been! While we may feel like we’ve aged a decade in just over a year, we can find solace in the fact that the end of this challenging period is on the horizon. Healthcare professionals and educators in most areas have received their vaccinations, along with the elderly population. Younger adults with health conditions are next in line, and some states have even opened eligibility to all adults aged 16 and older.
The light at the end of the tunnel is becoming clearer, and it’s a beautiful sight. Personally, I find myself dreaming about going out on a date with my partner and allowing my kids to finally enjoy their long-awaited sleepovers and playdates once we’re all vaccinated. Even though my children may not be fully protected for a while, as vaccines for younger kids are still undergoing testing, I feel hopeful that this year is shaping up to be safer than last summer. For that, I am thankful.
However, the vaccine rollout does not come without its complications. Alongside the hope it brings, there remains discontent regarding its distribution and frustration towards those who cut in line. Additionally, it’s dawning on those of us who have been avoiding certain people that we will soon have to face social situations again. Yikes.
Confessionals
Confessional #25825245: I haven’t yet mentioned to my parents that my partner and I have received our first vaccines and are set for our second. The excuse of not having them visit has been a blessing.
Confessional #25824669: The best part of COVID has been dodging my unbearable in-laws. I dread the day everyone gets vaccinated because I’ll lose my excuse to avoid them.
Confessional #25823483: I just got my first COVID vaccine, but I’m not looking forward to being around annoying people again. I enjoy my time at home.
Confessional #25819115: Not everyone has hated being isolated. For many, it has been a refreshing break from toxic family members, neighbors, or even parents at school events. Once we’re all vaccinated, those unwanted interactions will likely resurface, and…ugh.
Some are even facing relationship tensions regarding the vaccine.
Confessional #25825015: I managed to secure a COVID vaccine appointment, but my partner is upset because he thinks I don’t need it since I’m home with the kids all day. He’s worried that getting vaccinated might lead to me cheating on him.
Confessional #25823810: My partner, an infectious diseases expert, has been diligent in helping family members secure vaccine appointments. Yet, when I became eligible over a week ago, he didn’t mention a thing.
Confessional #25824635: This pandemic has shown me I can’t trust anyone. Those who we were supposed to be in a bubble with have hosted gatherings while friends debate whether to get vaccinated. My local in-laws seem to live life as if nothing has changed.
Confessional #25823663: I have a friend who constantly complains but takes no action. She doesn’t follow up on job opportunities I send her or vaccine appointments. She just wants to vent.
It should be a joyous time with vaccines finally available! However, the rollout has highlighted the negative sides of human nature—whether it’s a spouse, in-laws, or friends.
Confessional #25822031: A friend of mine manipulated her way into getting the COVID vaccine for herself, her husband, and their teenage daughter. It’s infuriating.
Confessional #25821154: My friend exaggerated her health conditions to jump the vaccine line and made her husband and daughter “caregivers” to also get their shots. Meanwhile, I wait…
Confessional #25823208: I’ve adhered to all the rules for a year, only to see those who have traveled and dined out skip the line for vaccines.
Confessional #25823638: It’s disheartening how excited I am to secure vaccine appointments for my partner and me. Once, I would have felt this way about concert tickets. This country is so messed up.
Confessional #25823262: It’s frustrating that a friend in another state received the vaccine before medically fragile individuals in my state because her state has broader eligibility. Politicians are clueless.
Confessional #25822589: I’m irrationally angry that I’m not yet eligible for a vaccine while everyone around me seems to be getting one. When will it be my turn, darn it!
The chaos surrounding vaccine distribution is no surprise. With differing political opinions, technological issues, and individuals scamming the system, many who have adhered to guidelines—staying home, social distancing, and wearing masks—are understandably frustrated about their vaccination delays.
Confessional #25823839: I can’t wait to get the vaccine! I’d gladly take the doses of those who refuse it. Just give me the shot!
Confessional #25822845: I’m shocked by those who typically criticize anti-vaxxers but refuse the COVID vaccine when it’s available. It feels hypocritical to me.
Confessional #25822339: I suffer from serum sickness from most vaccines, yet I’m still determined to get the COVID vaccine. I wish people would stop complaining about it.
Then, there are those who outright refuse the vaccine. That’s fine; it just means I’ll get mine sooner—no matter where it goes! I thought things would lighten up with the vaccine rollout and spring approaching, but I still find myself simply trying to get through each day.
Confessional #25824439: Three of our four parents are set to receive their first COVID vaccines next week. I can’t express how thrilled I am for them to be protected—not only so they can see the grandkids but also because I’ll finally get a break!
Confessional #25824237: I’m exhausted. I need my vaccine so I can start doing things outside the house again.
Confessional #25823660: All I want is the COVID vaccine! I want my life back!
We are all beyond fatigued. We’ve been running on empty for months, and there’s nothing left to give. We need to get vaccinated, take a breather from our kids, and begin to refill our cups with playdates, coffee outings, dinner dates, and vacations. Personally, I yearn for some peace and quiet for the first time in over a year—just me and a book without anyone calling out “MOM!” for an entire day. Doesn’t that sound heavenly?
If the vaccine is stirring up a whirlwind of emotions for you, that’s completely normal. There’s the anxiety of securing an appointment, the anger towards line-cutters while we patiently wait our turn, and the frustration directed at anti-vaxxers who parade around with conspiracy theories. Even in this time of hope and optimism, which we desperately need, there’s still a lingering negativity.
So, try to stay focused on the positive aspects, including your commitment to doing the right thing and ensuring that those who need it most receive it first. And start planning the first thing you’ll do once you’re fully vaccinated. A weekend getaway with friends? Yes, please!
This article was originally published on March 30, 2021.