Oprah Opens Up About Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine: "I'm Grateful Beyond Description"

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Stedman and I were blessed enough to be able to create our own bubble at home during the pandemic.

As soon as lockdown began, two of our grown daughter girls from South Africa quarantined with us and worked from home, virtually. Two single members of our staff stayed within the bubble, and anyone who wanted to come from outside had to be quarantined in our guest house for 14 days. No exceptions—not even Gayle. I only left the bubble twice in the past year: once for an eye infection, and a second time for a mammogram, which I delayed for 3 months.

The first shot, I wanted to cry but didn't, just from the overwhelming sense of relief. I'd had pneumonia the previous year, and my lungs were still sensitive. I was very much afraid of the toll COVID-19 would take on me; it's why I was so super strict about the goings and comings of everyone in my space.

After the second vaccination shot, I didn't feel well for about 30 hours. I had all the classic symptoms: fever, chills, lethargy. But it was such a small inconvenience to be protected against a virus that's killed so many. I thought a lot during that time about the more than half million people in this country who lost their lives because of this virus, and what they had to endure.

Afterwards, I felt like superwoman—like I'd been given a new lease on life. But it hasn't changed my habits. I’ve still gone nowhere other than to do the interview with Meghan and Harry. Recently, Stedman went to hit golf balls alone, for the first time in a year.

And when enough friends are vaccinated, I may have an outdoor taco party. I'm not ready to whoop whoop just yet...but eventually, I will ease into group gatherings.

For now, I'm just grateful beyond description to have the vaccine.

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

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