It's time for another edition of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Be sure to visit Alex J. Cavanaugh and the rest of the talented bloggers who are always willing to lend a helping hand.
Psst...Looking For A COVID Vaccine?
It was almost midnight when the text came through. My friend had just made an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine and proceeded to share the details, so I could do the same. The first step was changing her iPhone general setting to a city in Australia. As if reading my mind she added, "That's probably not the 'kosher' way to do this."
Though my friend is only 61 and has no pre-existing medical conditions, she embellished being an essential worker and has already received her first dose of the vaccine. She encouraged me to join her, but I politely declined.
Another friend and her husband who are both over 65 got frustrated waiting for the vaccine, so they obtained it by driving to a pharmacy in a crime-ridden neighborhood. Their registration method involved signing in on the website at precisely 12:01 a.m. and changing their zip code to increase their chances of finding a location. To complete the process, the retired couple both falsely indicated they were healthcare personnel.
Needless to say, I was pleased when my age appropriate husband decided to wait to register until he was alerted of openings from our hospital. He received his first dose two weeks ago.
People of all ages without pre-existing conditions who worked from the comfort of their own homes have also found ways to get the COVID vaccine, and some were willing to pay $200 for it.
Despite this me-first mentality, there are still good people out there who inspire us to do better. One random act of kindness involved my former classmate who struck up a conversation about the vaccine with an elderly woman at a pharmacy.
When the elderly woman explained that her first dose was scheduled in a few days, but she had no means of transportation, my former classmate generously offered to drive her to the appointment. The pair became fast friends, and the elderly woman has even been giving her art lessons.
But the most inspirational story comes from Dolly Parton who donated $1 million dollars to Moderna for COVID-19 vaccine research. The 75 year-old country music star and philanthropist graciously insisted on waiting her turn for the vaccine, and finally received her first dose on March 2nd.
Parton explained her decision to wait in a February article in The Associated Press, "I don't want to look like I'm jumping the line, just because I donated money. I'm funny that way."
We can all learn from Dolly Parton's extreme generosity and selflessness to get us through these tumultuous times. And of course, her wise words of encouragement have never rung truer:
"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
H, yes there are some crazy people here too, who wanted to get the vaccine on the first day it was opened for the general public (read senior citizens and people with serious co-morbidities). On 1 March the site had an outage as it was overcrowded with people trying to register!
ReplyDeleteI have been working the COVID shot clinics in our small town. The state gave us very few doses, so preregistration was required and eligible town-folks would get their shot in the order in which they preregistered. For our first clinic, we sent out an email to the 100 first people on the list to schedule their appointments, not realizing that someone on that list would share it with all his friends. Suddenly the clinic was filled with people who hadn't preregistered and in some cases weren't even from our town. We had to cancel the clinic, reschedule it for the next day and call every eligible person to schedule their appointments for them. In the end, it worked out fine. The angriest people were the ones who had never per-registered at all, but demanded, because they had jumped the line and scheduled an appointment for the original date that they should be able to attend the rescheduled clinic. Oy. Since then, we've had four more clinics and now they state is choosing not to send us vaccine but to encourage people to go to a mass vaccination site. There are a lot of disappointed people in town. It's been interesting...
ReplyDeleteGood for Dolly! You're right, I know a lot of people who aren't at risk and have already received their shots. The real problem isn't the lack of shots though - it's how poorly the states have handled getting them out to people.
ReplyDeleteI think it's terrible when people jump the line. It's not fair to the rest of us. I'm almost at 65 years old and really need to get one so I can see my mom safely, whose dementia is deteriorating a lot. But I'm waiting until my turn and hunkering in until then.
ReplyDeleteDolly Parton is an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie - yup ... I waited and they opened a centre in our local theatre/tourist centre ... and registered ... my brother who lives 9 miles away and only turned 70 about a week before the date - got his timing a quarter of an hour after me - so we had a quick chat and catch up. First dose done - 2nd on May Day ... but people have no patience ... though I understand to a point. Thankfully our sessions have been very well organised.
ReplyDeleteDolly - is inspirational isn't she - amazing lady. Wonderful to hear from you - stay safe - Hilary
Rachna - It's a shame that the registration site had an outage. Hopefully, it won't be long before everyone will be able to get the vaccine. It's nice seeing you again, Rachna! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLiza - I admire you for working so tirelessly at the COVID clinics. It's horrible that some greedy people had to force you to temporarily close down, and after all your hard work the state is urging everyone to go to a mass vaccination site. Liza, you've been through so much, and still continue to help others. Like Dolly, you're good people!
Alex - I agree, but still feel optimistic that most of us will receive vaccinations by the end of May. Thanks for hosting another wonderful IWSG, Alex!
Julie
Natalie - I'm so sorry that your mom isn't doing well, and can't imagine what it's like not being able to see her. I admire your patience, and hope you're able to receive the vaccine soon. Thanks for co-hosting, Natalie!
ReplyDeleteHi Hilary - How nice that you got to spend time with your brother! I'm glad your vaccine centers have been very organized and good luck with your second dose! Thanks Hilary!
Debra - You're darn tootin'! Thanks Debra!
Julie
Stories of people who connive to get their vaccine make me angry. Your stories at the end of your post give me hope for humankind. I do believe in karma. Those who "jump the line" will get theirs. I'm so proud of Dolly for her generosity and her attitude.
ReplyDeleteDiane - Though there are always exceptions, I also believe in karma. As someone who was fortunate enough to receive a kidney from an exceptionally generous anonymous living donor, I couldn't in good conscience take someone else's chance for getting the vaccine away. It will be worth the wait. Thank you, Diane!
DeleteJulie
It seems people are being very creative--maybe risk-taking--in their efforts to get the vaccine.
ReplyDeleteHi Lee - Sadly, many people have chosen to follow the "every man for himself" philosophy. It's good to see you, Lee! Hope you're doing well.
DeleteJulie
Hi Julie!
ReplyDeleteHope you are well!
Dolly Parton even did an alternative version of her hit "Jolene" substituting it with "Vaccine".
I don't even want to talk about the vaccine roll-out plan this side of the globe... which is chaotic.
As for the selfish mentality of many humans; it's a sad reality which reflects the times we're living in.
Take care!