Senior Citizen Jabs

On Monday, May 17, 2021, senior citizens nationwide rose as one and met in designated places to confront and destroy the world’s worst danger. The battle began earlier with the vaccine jabbings of the frontliners – police, military, health and hospital workers. This started the all-out, to-the-finish, once-and-for-all uprising led by senior citizens (60 years old and above). The government information drive was very good because it filtered down to the lowest levels, the barangays and puroks. The media was very helpful in telling the people what will happen starting May 17. Some criticized the president for things like human rights violations and the West Philippine Sea; but I think all agree that he did a very good effort in effectively using the government and private machinery in this total war.

My wife and I, my brothers, and in-laws were told to go to Seaman’s Hospital at Castillo Street, Agdao, on May 18. Expecting a long day, I used a small shoulder bag for my folding umbrella, paypay, bottled water, ball pens, biscuits and IDs. It was a slightly rainy, cloudy day; neither hot nor cold. There were many cars along the streets and inside the hospital area so we walked. The president’s Covid machine was well prepared to guide us. Guards courteously pointed where to go. In a big, white, clean building with many chairs, our senior citizen cards, IDs were screened. We were given information sheets to fill up and number cards so we will know when we will take step one. The place looked like an elementary, high school, college reunion. Many had white or no hair; some were in wheelchairs, strollers, bastons. I was happy and proud that I was with my own kind, seniors all. Some were short, some were tall, some were big, some were small, most were silent, some were shouting (with the face shield/face mask partial deafness, it was hard to listen).

Those in the 70s and above dressed conservatively, those some in the 60s wore shorts. The most senior citizens were Dr. Julian Rodriguez (92 years old) and wife Purita. (I’m only 80 years old). The hospital staff, city and D.O.H. workers were thoughtful, kind and friendly. I was deeply touched to see Lingling, Nati, Jessie, Julio tenderly helping Don Julian and Doña Purita Rodriguez in their needs. They braved the dangers of COVID-19 for their parents. At 8PM the program began.

Step 1. Numbers were called which allowed us to enter a room where we were interviewed using our information sheets and a Vaccine Card which must be kept securely because of the next jab 3 weeks later. Step 2. Enter a basketball court. Courteous, patient staff take your heartbeat and blood pressure. Step 3. Go to the other part of the gym where you’ll get hit. There are 4 tables (with 3 health workers each). I had to wait longer because they ran out of shots. Fifteen minutes later, the ice drop box arrived. The jix was like a prick of an ant. They paste a sticker on your fist. Green means OK; yellow, some risk; and pink, rest for a while. They again take your heartbeat count and blood pressure. Step 4. Green sticker, a room near the swimming pool. They take for the third time your heartbeat and blood pressure. Those with pink and yellow stickers go to different rooms also for check-up. In step four, green stickers (I was one of them) were given discharge papers and told to return on June 8 for the second and final blow. It took longer for the pink and yellow stickers to get out because the government wants you to be safe.

These are the best of times, these are the worst of times (Tale of Two Cities, Dickens). We are lucky to have a strong-willed President to show to the world what 110 million Filipino’s are made of in times of crisis. We are all instruments of the Lord. Truly, the Lord is kind and merciful. COVID-19 has ravaged earth but He gave us this vaccine so we can live. He allowed the frontliners to survive so that they can help the 110 million Filipinos; the sick, the lonely, the broken hearted the poor, the hungry, the jobless, the seniors, the children, so defenseless, to survive. Without you, oh God, we can do nothing! Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done!