Boosters are a go… sort of

February and March of 2021 saw the coming together of Walgreens and Osco in Sun City’s Prairie and Fountain View lodges. The lines made it look like they were giving away free food, but the reality was that the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 were, in fact, being giving away to all Sun City residents that wanted one or the other.

The news that the FDA and CDC were considering authorizing boosters to address the growing havoc of the Covid-19 Delta Variant has become a topic of discussion inside Sun City.

At the August 25 Sun City Board of Directors meeting, Executive Director Deanna Loughran announced that the Association has “had conversations with Osco Drug to provide boosters to Sun City residents” and that “Osco has agreed to deliver Covid-19 booster shots when they become available.”

No details were provided regarding the dates and procedures. Loughran did state that she expects that “there may be room usage conflicts” when the time comes to schedule the boosters.

No was no mention of Walgreens participation in the booster program.

My SunDayNews surveyed residents for their reaction to the booster news.

Jerry McClellan, Neighborhood 33

“Both my wife and I are believers in the vaccines, as well as the protective measures, both procedural and physical. We still wear masks almost everywhere. I support the booster program and will plan to get it when available. There are too many stories, including among friends and family, where not getting the vaccine, let’s say, was not the better choice. To me, this looks like our management is leaning forward in our best interests, as they did before, and I support the idea.”

Steve Sawatski, Neighborhood 28

“I think it is a great idea. We got our first and second vaxxes at Prairie Lodge – very well organized and extremely convenient. I believe OSCO (at that time) was only doing Moderna. I believe we received our Pfizer vaxxes through Walgreens at Prairie Lodge. It won’t benefit us (and perhaps others) if all vaccines are not available. I am not up to date on whether ‘mix and match’ is an effective booster approach.vBut either way, organizing a booster program “in-house” is convenient for the residents of Sun City.”

Bill Ziletti, Neighborhood 27

“Yes, we will get the booster when its available.”

Jim Vinton, Neighborhood 24

“This is a good idea. I am very much in the pro vax camp. We’ll get the booster when it’s available.”

Susie Wehnes, Neighborhood 28

We got the first two covid shots from Northwestern medicine because we had been notified it was available before Sun City notified residents of Osco’s distribution. I was planning to get the booster but I am listening to pros and cons. If Northwestern recommends it and provides it, I will get it. I believe Sun City is doing their part to make it easier for residents and follow CDC guidelines.

Ralph Wehnes, Neighborhood 28

I think Jewel provided the Pfizer vaccine. We got the Moderna vaccine. If they are compatible, we plan to get the booster. We have gotten Flu shots for the last 40+ years, whatever is available we will get it.

Michael Christy, Neighborhood 21

I’m very pleased to hear that the Sun City (CAM Management)-Jewel/Osco partnership will continue. Both parties deserve our gratitude for prioritizing the safety of our community by making these arrangements. It will undoubtedly be far easier for residents to access the booster than by any other means.

My spouse and I will do so as soon as we are eligible. Anything that protects us, our family and other residents is most welcome. We’ll only beat this through a broad, coordinated, community effort.

Richard Chay, Neighborhood 24

I think this is great news that the management team is looking into bringing the booster shots to us, rather than each of us finding the shots on our own.

It was a thoughtful thing to do when Deanna and Kathy arranged for Walgreens and Osco to bring the vaccine here in February/March.  I heard that they were able to vaccinate about 500 residents a day for 10 days…for the first shot and then three weeks later for the second.  It is the sort of proactive thing a good community management team is capable of doing.

And yes, Cathleen and I will both get the booster. In the meantime, it’s masks on again.

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