McGraw urges us all to ‘hang in there’

But vaccinations aren’t a ‘free ticket’ as of yet

By Nadine Osborne | Manor Ink

Monticello, NY – March 11 marked the one-year anniversary of COVID-19’s declaration as a pandemic. For many, that milestone is surreal.

It’s difficult to believe that this bizarre, socially uncomfortable lifestyle has become so normalized. One year ago, we couldn’t have fathomed what awaited us. But even now, as we’re nearing the end of this experience, there are still some questions left unanswered, as well as plenty that have newly arisen. Nancy McGraw, Sullivan County’s public health director, met with Manor Ink to help provide some answers.

When will things return to normal? Unfortunately, McGraw isn’t certain about the answer. While the county is certainly making great strides – 19 percent of Sullivan County residents have received at least one dose – it’s likely that there will be some complications as vaccines are distributed.

By McGraw’s estimation, businesses and restaurants will likely open gradually throughout the spring and summer, which could lead to a sudden spike in cases. Now that restrictions have been loosened, people are eager to resume normal activities. However, that eagerness often leads to recklessness and impulsivity, both of which could severely hinder progress. It’s important to remember that vaccines, while an excellent medical breakthrough, aren’t a “free ticket” to completely disregard COVID regulations.

Vaccines and fraud

Another important but largely overlooked topic is vaccine fraud. During March, the Sullivan County Public Health Department issued a warning on their official website. They anticipated that as vaccinations were planned, there were potentially fraudulent businesses looking to capitalize. The CDC classifies vaccine fraud as any service that bills the recipient for the cost of the vaccine. Official clinics are required to provide patients with free vaccinations; any remaining balance left uncovered by insurance will not be the patient’s responsibility. While fraudulent vaccines are not necessarily dangerous, they lead recipients to believe that their immune system is responding accordingly, when in fact it is not. Typical vaccine symptoms include soreness around the injection site, a slight headache, body aches and fatigue. These are all classified as mild flu-like symptoms, and are no cause for alarm.

McGraw also addressed mental health and wellness during the pandemic. “Both of these things are now considered public health crises,” she said. “With everyone confined to their homes, the amount of domestic violence cases has increased, whereas the amount of reported cases has decreased.”

An emotional toll

In other words, now that families are no longer obligated to attend school and work from home, potentially abusive situations are being shielded from the public eye.

“COVID-19 has created great distress for families that typically have access to healthy coping mechanisms,” McGraw said. “Family resilience factors, such as financial stability, socialization and education are becoming all the less accessible, and thus all the more necessary.” The rates of suicide and opioid abuse are also increasing as homebound individuals struggle with mental stress.

The youth of Sullivan County are feeling isolated from loved ones. McGraw’s advice? “Hang in there. This has been a very difficult time not only for adults who are struggling financially, but for the children they are attempting to support. This is a formative time in many children’s’ lives, and it’s important that schools brainstorm ways to safely reintegrate kids into the classroom.”

McGraw stressed the importance of socialization during the pandemic, encouraging kids and teens to spend time together, as long as they are masked and socially distanced.

“The effect of too much isolation isn’t a good thing,” she said. “We have to balance the risks with the rewards.”