Back to School Stress

Worrying about the risks of COVID-19 vs my children’s education

Background is a chalk board effect. Text says: Back to School, Covid Vaccine, Education, Risks
Image created by the author.

Next week, my children will return to school, as the UK begins the process of easing out of national lockdown.

I am sure this will be good for their education, but I can’t help but feel a little bit uneasy about the risks.

I am 52 years old, autistic and also a widowed parent. One of my children has type 1 diabetes, and I am effectively his carer.

If I were to catch COVID-19, there is nobody else here to take care of my children. And there is no ex-partner who could help.

However, my doctor says that I will not be given higher priority for the vaccine. So I will just have to hope that my children do not bring it home with them.

After isolating for so long, I am now effectively being forced to take risks.

I know a few people who are younger (who live with partners), who have already had the vaccine, because they have children who are autistic.

(I believe one of my children may be autistic, but he does not wish to be assessed.)

I am glad for the people who have been vaccinated — hopefully they are now protected. But given my situation, and the amount of anxiety that I have even at the best of times, I can’t help but feel like my life has been judged to be less important.

I’m not often superstitious, but perhaps all I can do is cross my fingers and hope for the best…

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Comments

  1. AutismMama WestLondon9:21 pm, March 07, 2021

    I am shocked that your GP hasn't pushed for you to get the vaccine. You yourself are vulnerable and your children too - I urge you to ask your GP for a letter stating why you need the vaccine and this will allow you to book your vaccination in. Sending love and hope you can get it really soon! X

    ReplyDelete
  2. Autistic Widower7:48 pm, January 19, 2022

    Thank you so much for your kind words!
    I feel awful that I appeared to ignore you when you went to the trouble of writing the comment.
    I hope you can forgive me. I've now altered the settings, so I *should* get notified if anyone leaves a comment in future.

    ReplyDelete

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