Coronavirus prep

kshama2001 wrote: »

High on my "What am I looking forward to doing after I get vaccinated" list was Get a Massage.

I was supposed to get a massage tonight and was REALLY looking forward to it. I called yesterday to find out their mask policy and the receptionist called back today to say masks are required because the provider is not vaccinated for "personal reasons." I pressed and asked if it was due to a temporary thing like pregnancy or breast feeding, and she wouldn't say. So I cancelled.

I don't want to be in an intimate situation like that with someone who sees a lot of people and will not get vaxxed for unspecified "personal reasons."

This was going to be free through the VA's Community Care program so I left a message for the CC coordinator complaining bitterly about this provider's unvaccinated status.

I will call around to the other providers near me and ask about vaccination status and mask policies.

ETA: Called the only other three other places on the VA community care list:

1. Not vaccinated due to medical reasons. I appreciated the lengthy explanation she gave me. Her doctor had actually flagged her driver's license - she tried to get vaxxed and was denied due to the flag and her doctor notified. Thought that was interested.
2. Me: "I was thinking of getting a massage and was wondering if you are vaccinated." Her: "Well that's a HIPPA thing but [blah blah blah precautions.]" So that's a No.
3. Left a message but then looked at his website and saw "We will be remaining closed until I have a better understanding of the long-term and potential positive or negative effects the deep tissue work I do will provide to clients post covid positive or vaccine. STAY SAFE we will get through this. April 2021."

I called the Community Care Coordinator back and asked her to help me find a provider who is vaccinated.

I don't understand this - you are fully vaccinated, do you not trust the vaccine?

ExistingFish wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

High on my "What am I looking forward to doing after I get vaccinated" list was Get a Massage.

I was supposed to get a massage tonight and was REALLY looking forward to it. I called yesterday to find out their mask policy and the receptionist called back today to say masks are required because the provider is not vaccinated for "personal reasons." I pressed and asked if it was due to a temporary thing like pregnancy or breast feeding, and she wouldn't say. So I cancelled.

I don't want to be in an intimate situation like that with someone who sees a lot of people and will not get vaxxed for unspecified "personal reasons."

This was going to be free through the VA's Community Care program so I left a message for the CC coordinator complaining bitterly about this provider's unvaccinated status.

I will call around to the other providers near me and ask about vaccination status and mask policies.

ETA: Called the only other three other places on the VA community care list:

1. Not vaccinated due to medical reasons. I appreciated the lengthy explanation she gave me. Her doctor had actually flagged her driver's license - she tried to get vaxxed and was denied due to the flag and her doctor notified. Thought that was interested.
2. Me: "I was thinking of getting a massage and was wondering if you are vaccinated." Her: "Well that's a HIPPA thing but [blah blah blah precautions.]" So that's a No.
3. Left a message but then looked at his website and saw "We will be remaining closed until I have a better understanding of the long-term and potential positive or negative effects the deep tissue work I do will provide to clients post covid positive or vaccine. STAY SAFE we will get through this. April 2021."

I called the Community Care Coordinator back and asked her to help me find a provider who is vaccinated.

I don't understand this - you are fully vaccinated, do you not trust the vaccine?

The vaccine prevents the vaccinated person from getting seriously ill if they contract the virus.
It does not necessarily prevent a vaccinated person from passing the virus along to an unvaccinated person.
Why should we care about them, since they choose to take the risk?
Because if community spread continues, it gives rise to potential variants, which our current vaccines may not work as well against.

AnnPT77 wrote: »

Interesting interview on a Michigan public radio program today: The mayor of Windsor, Ontario, Canada - which is literally just separated from Detroit, Michigan, USA by the Detroit River - is trying to get approval from the US & Canada to set up a vaccine site in the Windsor tunnel between the two cities. The basis is that (sadly) Michigan frequently has vaccine supplies that are close to expiring, since we're past the phase where demand is steady/predictable (and measures are now being taken to persuade those on the fence about getting the vaccination).

He hopes to set up a program where these near-expiry doses, rather than being wasted, would be shuttled to a special vaccination site in the tunnel, literally between the two countries (US customs on one side, Canadian customs on the other). Canadians would go to a particular location in Windsor, and be shuttled in minivans to the vaccination site (literally in the tunnel under the river), get their shot, stay for the 15 minute monitoring after, then be shuttled back to the parking area on the Canada side.

According to the interview, something similar is already being done in Montana (I think it was), but with the Canadian folks brought across the border to the US, then taken back without opportunity to go further into the US (border is still closed, except for essential workers).

If anyone's interested, the link below has a brief write-up and a link to either the whole program or just this segment (11 minute audio) is further down the page. (I couldn't find a direct link to just this segment that included the text summary).

https://www.michiganradio.org/post/stateside-vaccines-detroit-windsor-tunnel-tecumseh-s-legacy-worker-bargaining-power

unfortunately our prime minister has been fighting hard against this (for reasons I can't get into here as I don't think we are allowed to talk politics here!)

there were proposals like this in a few different provinces that I heard about and although the US side was ready to go, PM refused to allow it. which is really crazy if you have extra, expiring vaccines over there and we are scrambling to get enough doses up here. you'd think it would be a win-win?

janejellyroll wrote: »

ExistingFish wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

High on my "What am I looking forward to doing after I get vaccinated" list was Get a Massage.

I was supposed to get a massage tonight and was REALLY looking forward to it. I called yesterday to find out their mask policy and the receptionist called back today to say masks are required because the provider is not vaccinated for "personal reasons." I pressed and asked if it was due to a temporary thing like pregnancy or breast feeding, and she wouldn't say. So I cancelled.

I don't want to be in an intimate situation like that with someone who sees a lot of people and will not get vaxxed for unspecified "personal reasons."

This was going to be free through the VA's Community Care program so I left a message for the CC coordinator complaining bitterly about this provider's unvaccinated status.

I will call around to the other providers near me and ask about vaccination status and mask policies.

ETA: Called the only other three other places on the VA community care list:

1. Not vaccinated due to medical reasons. I appreciated the lengthy explanation she gave me. Her doctor had actually flagged her driver's license - she tried to get vaxxed and was denied due to the flag and her doctor notified. Thought that was interested.
2. Me: "I was thinking of getting a massage and was wondering if you are vaccinated." Her: "Well that's a HIPPA thing but [blah blah blah precautions.]" So that's a No.
3. Left a message but then looked at his website and saw "We will be remaining closed until I have a better understanding of the long-term and potential positive or negative effects the deep tissue work I do will provide to clients post covid positive or vaccine. STAY SAFE we will get through this. April 2021."

I called the Community Care Coordinator back and asked her to help me find a provider who is vaccinated.

I don't understand this - you are fully vaccinated, do you not trust the vaccine?

In addition to the points made above, I wouldn't want to receive any health care services from someone who was vaccine eligible but refused to get it.

Agreed. I would have a tough time trusting the judgement of someone who has decided not to get vaccinated for anything other than medically indicated reasons.

Vaccination is a lot of protection and likely enough in the vast majority of interactions. But herd immunity for enough time for the virus to mostly peter out because it has nowhere to go is when I will feel 100% confident in public interactions.

I really need a haircut lol (I've let it go at least 6 inches longer than I typically would) but I'm not sure I'll feel comfortable in that small space with someone breathing right on me if they aren't masked and as a stranger I don't know if they're vaxxed. I'm sure the risk regardless is extremely low, maybe even low enough I shouldn't bother worrying, but for something as unnecessary as a haircut, I'm not sure I'll bother yet. I also need to get an eye exam and more contacts, and that I'm going to do because my need to see far outweighs the very small perceived risk if they too are done with masks

ExistingFish wrote: »

janejellyroll wrote: »

ExistingFish wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

High on my "What am I looking forward to doing after I get vaccinated" list was Get a Massage.

I was supposed to get a massage tonight and was REALLY looking forward to it. I called yesterday to find out their mask policy and the receptionist called back today to say masks are required because the provider is not vaccinated for "personal reasons." I pressed and asked if it was due to a temporary thing like pregnancy or breast feeding, and she wouldn't say. So I cancelled.

I don't want to be in an intimate situation like that with someone who sees a lot of people and will not get vaxxed for unspecified "personal reasons."

This was going to be free through the VA's Community Care program so I left a message for the CC coordinator complaining bitterly about this provider's unvaccinated status.

I will call around to the other providers near me and ask about vaccination status and mask policies.

ETA: Called the only other three other places on the VA community care list:

1. Not vaccinated due to medical reasons. I appreciated the lengthy explanation she gave me. Her doctor had actually flagged her driver's license - she tried to get vaxxed and was denied due to the flag and her doctor notified. Thought that was interested.
2. Me: "I was thinking of getting a massage and was wondering if you are vaccinated." Her: "Well that's a HIPPA thing but [blah blah blah precautions.]" So that's a No.
3. Left a message but then looked at his website and saw "We will be remaining closed until I have a better understanding of the long-term and potential positive or negative effects the deep tissue work I do will provide to clients post covid positive or vaccine. STAY SAFE we will get through this. April 2021."

I called the Community Care Coordinator back and asked her to help me find a provider who is vaccinated.

I don't understand this - you are fully vaccinated, do you not trust the vaccine?

In addition to the points made above, I wouldn't want to receive any health care services from someone who was vaccine eligible but refused to get it.

Ah, the moral superiority position.

I respect people's freedom to make their own medical decisions. I don't think my decisions are morally superior to other people's positions. I believe everyone should have the right to make their own informed decisions for themselves and their families.

I don't think it's a moral superiority position. It's an "I don't trust this health care provider's judgement" position.

Around here, we see people report that doctors have told them ridiculous things about weight loss (even as extreme as women in menopause can't lose weight, or absolutely everyone must do low carb to lose weight, etc.). It's very common for others to reply that they should find a new doctor (not just ignore that specific advice, trust everything else about the doctor).

This is IMO somewhat similar: Of course us amateurs could be wrong in our judgements, or over-reacting. But it's not a completely irrational thing to decide that there are certain kinds of judgements, health related things, that are in one's own opinion so extreme that one shouldn't trust that provider.

I don't argue with my friends who've chosen not to vaccinate, though I may be more caution-oriented around them. As long as they don't argue with me, either, we can still be friends. As you say, people can make their own informed decisions.

A health care provider is different. They can decide anything they like, freely, too, of course. There's no reason for them to expect that their decisions should have zero consequences, in terms of clients'/patients' trust.

Even if it's not a trust issue, clients/patients/customers of any business or service may decide not to patronize a provider/business because they don't agree with the provider's/business's decisions. (A business here is being boycotted by some because the owners decided to pay a flat bonus to any employee who got vaccinated - they didn't require vaccination, just rewarded it. The owner is very openly saying that's their right, to boycott . . . and that he won't miss them.) Decisions have consequences. Is that a moral judgement? Maybe.

And yes, I think a massage therapist is a health care provider, just of somewhat more limited scope than certain other specialties.

ExistingFish wrote: »

janejellyroll wrote: »

ExistingFish wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

High on my "What am I looking forward to doing after I get vaccinated" list was Get a Massage.

I was supposed to get a massage tonight and was REALLY looking forward to it. I called yesterday to find out their mask policy and the receptionist called back today to say masks are required because the provider is not vaccinated for "personal reasons." I pressed and asked if it was due to a temporary thing like pregnancy or breast feeding, and she wouldn't say. So I cancelled.

I don't want to be in an intimate situation like that with someone who sees a lot of people and will not get vaxxed for unspecified "personal reasons."

This was going to be free through the VA's Community Care program so I left a message for the CC coordinator complaining bitterly about this provider's unvaccinated status.

I will call around to the other providers near me and ask about vaccination status and mask policies.

ETA: Called the only other three other places on the VA community care list:

1. Not vaccinated due to medical reasons. I appreciated the lengthy explanation she gave me. Her doctor had actually flagged her driver's license - she tried to get vaxxed and was denied due to the flag and her doctor notified. Thought that was interested.
2. Me: "I was thinking of getting a massage and was wondering if you are vaccinated." Her: "Well that's a HIPPA thing but [blah blah blah precautions.]" So that's a No.
3. Left a message but then looked at his website and saw "We will be remaining closed until I have a better understanding of the long-term and potential positive or negative effects the deep tissue work I do will provide to clients post covid positive or vaccine. STAY SAFE we will get through this. April 2021."

I called the Community Care Coordinator back and asked her to help me find a provider who is vaccinated.

I don't understand this - you are fully vaccinated, do you not trust the vaccine?

In addition to the points made above, I wouldn't want to receive any health care services from someone who was vaccine eligible but refused to get it.

Ah, the moral superiority position.

I respect people's freedom to make their own medical decisions. I don't think my decisions are morally superior to other people's positions. I believe everyone should have the right to make their own informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Of course they have the right. And I have the right to receive certain services from a professional whose judgement I trust. Capitalism at work

janejellyroll wrote: »

ExistingFish wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

High on my "What am I looking forward to doing after I get vaccinated" list was Get a Massage.

I was supposed to get a massage tonight and was REALLY looking forward to it. I called yesterday to find out their mask policy and the receptionist called back today to say masks are required because the provider is not vaccinated for "personal reasons." I pressed and asked if it was due to a temporary thing like pregnancy or breast feeding, and she wouldn't say. So I cancelled.

I don't want to be in an intimate situation like that with someone who sees a lot of people and will not get vaxxed for unspecified "personal reasons."

This was going to be free through the VA's Community Care program so I left a message for the CC coordinator complaining bitterly about this provider's unvaccinated status.

I will call around to the other providers near me and ask about vaccination status and mask policies.

ETA: Called the only other three other places on the VA community care list:

1. Not vaccinated due to medical reasons. I appreciated the lengthy explanation she gave me. Her doctor had actually flagged her driver's license - she tried to get vaxxed and was denied due to the flag and her doctor notified. Thought that was interested.
2. Me: "I was thinking of getting a massage and was wondering if you are vaccinated." Her: "Well that's a HIPPA thing but [blah blah blah precautions.]" So that's a No.
3. Left a message but then looked at his website and saw "We will be remaining closed until I have a better understanding of the long-term and potential positive or negative effects the deep tissue work I do will provide to clients post covid positive or vaccine. STAY SAFE we will get through this. April 2021."

I called the Community Care Coordinator back and asked her to help me find a provider who is vaccinated.

I don't understand this - you are fully vaccinated, do you not trust the vaccine?

In addition to the points made above, I wouldn't want to receive any health care services from someone who was vaccine eligible but refused to get it.

I guess I'm not understanding this either?
FTR I was fully vaccinated back in March and really would love to see as many people as possible get it as well but there will be some that will choose not to, for their own personal or health related reasons. Do you know if all the people choosing not to wear masks, have been vaccinated? Stores are changing their signage from 'masks required' to 'people that have been vaccinated no longer required to wear masks'. How do people actually know? Granted, a massage will give you more intimate contact but if you've got the protection via vaccination....help me understand your thoughts? Not trying to be snarky but genuinely curious.

ETA: Ok, read a little further on and got some of my curiosity answered.

ExistingFish wrote: »

janejellyroll wrote: »

ExistingFish wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

High on my "What am I looking forward to doing after I get vaccinated" list was Get a Massage.

I was supposed to get a massage tonight and was REALLY looking forward to it. I called yesterday to find out their mask policy and the receptionist called back today to say masks are required because the provider is not vaccinated for "personal reasons." I pressed and asked if it was due to a temporary thing like pregnancy or breast feeding, and she wouldn't say. So I cancelled.

I don't want to be in an intimate situation like that with someone who sees a lot of people and will not get vaxxed for unspecified "personal reasons."

This was going to be free through the VA's Community Care program so I left a message for the CC coordinator complaining bitterly about this provider's unvaccinated status.

I will call around to the other providers near me and ask about vaccination status and mask policies.

ETA: Called the only other three other places on the VA community care list:

1. Not vaccinated due to medical reasons. I appreciated the lengthy explanation she gave me. Her doctor had actually flagged her driver's license - she tried to get vaxxed and was denied due to the flag and her doctor notified. Thought that was interested.
2. Me: "I was thinking of getting a massage and was wondering if you are vaccinated." Her: "Well that's a HIPPA thing but [blah blah blah precautions.]" So that's a No.
3. Left a message but then looked at his website and saw "We will be remaining closed until I have a better understanding of the long-term and potential positive or negative effects the deep tissue work I do will provide to clients post covid positive or vaccine. STAY SAFE we will get through this. April 2021."

I called the Community Care Coordinator back and asked her to help me find a provider who is vaccinated.

I don't understand this - you are fully vaccinated, do you not trust the vaccine?

In addition to the points made above, I wouldn't want to receive any health care services from someone who was vaccine eligible but refused to get it.

Ah, the moral superiority position.

I respect people's freedom to make their own medical decisions. I don't think my decisions are morally superior to other people's positions. I believe everyone should have the right to make their own informed decisions for themselves and their families.

How is it taking away anyone's right to make informed decisions? Surely the client also has the right to make their own informed decisions for themselves and their health.

When I had to visit an oral surgeon in April I asked if the staff was vaccinated - they told me that the staff all had their first shot and the doctor had both.

If a medical practitioner doesn't want to disclose their vaccine status to their clients/patients then it shouldn't surprise them that people will infer that they aren't vaccinated - and they shouldn't be surprised to have appointments cancelled.