The Pfizer-Biotech and Moderna vaccines have begun to roll out in large quantities, with the CDC reporting that providers are currently administering around 1.7 million doses every day. New York Times outlines that in Florida, vaccines have been administered to over 2 million healthcare workers as well as those 65 and older or otherwise eligible for the vaccine. The majority of the population remains ineligible to receive the vaccine, and many are anxious to seek this long-awaited defense Two women, age 33 and 44, disguised themselves as old women wearing bonnets and mittens, in an attempt to receive the vaccine in their home state.
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Unfortunately, these women’s tricks may not be a new occurrence. At the time, the women were in possession of seemingly valid CDC vaccination cards that had records of an initial dose. Dr. Paul Rino, a physician in Orange County mentioned that staff needs to remain vigilant, “Agencies have had to be very careful about people faking it. It’s probably higher than we suspect.” This problem shows an overt selfish nature that exists within our society. Situations like these are inconceivable, but those are the lengths that some resort to in order to prioritize their perceived health security.
Washington Post reported that the women were only scolded by local officers and reminded of the cruel nature behind their intentions. One deputy told the women directly, “You’ve stolen a vaccine from someone who needs it more than you.” The time spent dealing with those trying to gain early access to the vaccine completely disrespects the valuable time of healthcare workers, those trying to provide the vaccine fairly and authorities. There is no excuse for a lack of patience at this point. There is a clear logic behind the vaccine rollout plan, seeing as it serves those most at risk first, and no one should be able to prioritize themselves ahead of those more at risk.
ABC News reported that the women were only warned by police, not charged for their wrongdoings. There should be harsher consequences for these actions, to set the standard that fairness needs to be allocated. There is nothing right about these women not being held accountable. If they had been sentenced to community service or having to contribute to one’s community, perhaps they could put themselves in a positive direction for better decisions going forward.
This story discusses a frustration around selfishness that many have seen throughout this time. Whether it has been public figures ignoring guidelines, or now people disguising themselves, there are immeasurable lengths people seem to go to prioritize themselves. There has been such a blatant lack of responsibility amongst the public. The inability and unwillingness of some people comes when refusing to comply with safety guidelines.
These actions prove there is a certain deviance that some people may take pride in, others just follow in. It is up to people like the deputies, to correct people and inform them what they are taking away by trying to give more to themselves. That is the key takeaway here; learn from this charade and be reminded that being genuine and morally sound in a time like this matters. One must remember that there are so many people who are also waiting their turn as well. Ultimately, the time will come when more and more people can gain access to the vaccine, but this access does not erase that everyone should continue to conduct themselves as safely as possible.
