Thursday, April 1, 2021

Can You Call It Medical Tourism If You Only Drive 40 Miles?

This was the first day of Hubby Tony's retirement. We spent it getting our first Covid vaccination.

Based on his profession, Tony technically could have qualified a couple of weeks ago. But he chose to put it off, because he was busy wrapping up the loose ends at the job. He also wanted us to be able to get 'shot' at the same time.

Originally, scoring a dose of the vaccine was somewhat of a crap shoot, because our Governor sent a higher proportion of doses to outstate, non-metropolitan areas. There were reports of vaccines going to waste because not enough people were signing up. People from the St. Louis area started taking to the road to get vaccinated, as much as two hours each way. Hannibal, Cape Girardeau, and Rolla were popular destinations. That inequity been righted, a few mass vaccination events have happened not too far from us, and more are on the way, but in the St. Louis area there's still more people who want the shot than there are shots to give them.

Several weeks ago Tony talked with a 'vaccine hunter' who had taken it upon herself to connect people with places. She kept sending him links, and last week he followed up on one in Washington Missouri. Appointments were available, and he asked if I wanted to go; it took me about a half second to run to my computer and start logging in.

We made our appointments for 10:30 am. That would allow Tony to sleep in, and make sure we were finished with everything before lunch. Washington is a city along the Missouri River that has a nice downtown area with plenty of restaurants. Our plan was to leave our car at the vaccination location and walk to one of them.

Our vaccination instructions said to wear a short sleeved shirt to make the injection process easy. The weather turned brisk overnight, and I left the house wearing three layers-the short sleeved shirt, a fleece, and my lightweight winter coat. The location was easy to find. Inside, there were socially distanced chairs placed against the walls of the small building. Tony and I checked in, filled out paperwork, then waited  for our turn. Just a few minutes after the pharmacist called us into the consultation room we were finished. I spent the required 15 minutes waiting period  browsing around the store.

We asked the pharmacist for restaurant suggestions. He offered three, and we chose the first one, the Old Dutch Hotel and Tavern. The restaurant area was on the ground floor of a small hotel. It had beautiful aged wood floors, and a metal ceiling that looked original. Our waitress was friendly, and the food was fresh and tasty.

On the way back to the car Tony and I popped into a couple of stores and got a cup of coffee to drink as we walked. Along the way we saw the other restaurants the pharmacist had mentioned, and discussed which one we would try on our next visit...28 days from now.

Five years ago today: It's All O.K.

21 comments:

  1. If either of you didn't get a kidney transplant, it's not medical tourism. But it sounds like you made good use of your drive.

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  2. Wishing you both good health.

    God bless.

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  3. This is totally medical tourism! You should get a patch or something for it. Sounds like a good little town to have to go to.

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    1. We've been to Washington a couple of times and you're right; it is a nice place to road trip.

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  4. Himself and I are getting our second on Tuesday. Round one made us both crazy tired for about 4 days... otherwise we felt fine. With this 2nd one, he is all nerved up because some of his friends are complaining they got sick. I've pointed out that most of his buds have said it was fine and those saying other wise are chronic whiners all the time.

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    1. Other than a sore arm I've had no side effects. I just realized I have a fairly major volunteer commitment the day after the next shot, so I hope I don't have a problem.

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  5. You are the second person who has written about going a long distance for the vaccine. Seems insane, especially if you live in a big city with good medical facilities. We waited until our medical group contacted us and said come on in. Just a 15 minute drive. Our nearby grocery store pharmacy is giving the vaccines, too, even closer to home, but I had already had the first one with the hospital so decided to just stick with that plan. It will all work out in time.

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    1. We decided that this would be a nice road trip and meal out-a good way to celebrate Tony's newly found freedom. Also, we have the ability to go on a road trip, saving in-town slots for those who don't

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  6. Kathy, you must try the restaurant with the mile high pie. I am so relieved we have both our vaccines. Enjoy retirement.

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    1. I had to search for a mile high pie in Washington, then found out it's a Cowan's restaurant. We were there for dinner several years ago. Didn't have any dessert. Might have to go back and take care of it.

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  7. Good work. We've so many to inject, I just don't know how they are going to get it done.

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  8. I'm so glad you both got those first shots. We've all now had our first shots too. My younger son in Colorado had to drive an hour for his. My older son, husband (he's actually already had both), and I were all able to get appointments nearby, but getting signed up for them took diligence and tenacity.

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    1. It amazes me that they've made this vaccination effort so hard!

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  9. happy retirement days to your hubby :)

    how nice that you got your vaccination finally ,it is great that restaurant you at in was nice place with hospitality.
    more blessings to you and family!

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  10. I'm waiting patiently for my second jab but feeling a little more nervous about it as there is some suggestion it can lead to blood clots, but I was fine after the first one. I'm glad you've both had yours.

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    1. I guess no medicine is without side effects, but hoping you come through the next jab unscathed.

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  11. Congratulations on getting your first shot! That's awesome! Isn't it a wonderful feeling? And you got to eat at a nice restaurant too.

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  12. Great news! Both the retirement and the shots! Restaurants are still closed here. I would love to eat out!

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