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As of June 14, 2021, more than 64 percent of Americans had received at least their first vaccination against COVID-19. MyLeukemiaTeam members who have been vaccinated are eagerly sharing their hopes and plans now that vaccination has lowered their risk for experiencing serious illness from the potentially deadly virus.
“I’ve had both of my shots (Moderna) and feel so much safer after doing so,” wrote one member. “For the sake of me and others, I am vaccinated.”
“I'm vaccinated and feel much safer,” said another member.
Many MyLeukemiaTeam members are excited for fun activities with friends and family again.
“I’m in Southern California now and will plan a road trip to the Salt Lake area when my family is fully vaccinated,” shared one member. “We are two months away and I’m going to be cautious, but at the same time go back to my [life].”
Still others are nervous about socializing again after being quarantined for a year — and that’s normal, experts say.
“Reentering society and socializing again is going to be a process,” wrote author Clay Drinko, Ph.D., in March. “Just like adjusting to pandemic life last year, this new transition is going to have its ups and downs. Instead of having unreasonably high expectations (I’m going to host a block party and be the belle of the ball), try to take it one step at a time and be curious about how each new interaction affects you (I'm going to try to talk to the neighbor and just see how it goes).”
About half of American adults have delayed or skipped some aspect of medical or dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. As MyLeukemiaTeam members get vaccinated, many are taking the earliest opportunity to schedule doctor visits, eye appointments, dental exams, and diagnostic tests needed for leukemia monitoring.
“At my oncology appointment, getting more bloodwork. In good spirits,” said one vaccinated MyLeukemiaTeam member.
Other members are scheduling personal care appointments. “Getting my hair done and treating myself to a manicure,” one member wrote. "First time in over a year!”
As travel restrictions lift and more people are vaccinated, some MyLeukemiaTeam members are beginning to look forward to their first vacations in more than a year.
“Hope to travel maybe at the end of summer,” said one member. “We may return to Costa Rica, where the snorkeling is great!”
“I want to take a road trip out west somewhere,” wrote another member. “Anywhere. I want fish for trout and have a campfire along a river and set up my tent. Just me, nature, and my dog.”
Members report that they’re continuing to be cautious when socializing. “We wear our masks everywhere,” shared one member.
Even after you are fully vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends continuing to take precautions such as:
Ensuring that you continue to prioritize your safety can help ease your mind as you get back into the swing of post-vaccine life, wrote psychologist Marina Harris, Ph.D., in May. “By following guidelines and associated protocols, combined with the vaccine, you’re being as safe as you can possibly be.”
Local health authorities may have additional guidelines in place for your state or county. Be sure to check what’s permitted before planning activities.
MyLeukemiaTeam is the social network for people with leukemia and their loved ones. On MyLeukemiaTeam, more than 8,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with leukemia.
Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19? Are you making plans now that your risk for infection is lower? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
Anika Brahmbhatt is an undergraduate student at Boston University, where she is pursuing a dual degree in media science and psychology. Learn more about her here.
