Across the country, Americans are mimicking Hamilton’s Lin Manuel Miranda and pledging not to miss their shot! What shot is everyone talking about? The Covid 19 vaccine. And with the increasing availability of that shot, Vaccine FOMO is sweeping the country!
People lucking into spare doses. Friends hanging out with friends. Family members making travel plans. Other people’s vaccines are stirring jealousy, with levels of envy reached a boiling point in March when the CDC released new guidelines dictating who is in and who’s out.
“Fully vaccinated people can visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing,” the new recommendations read.
It was one thing when the only people getting the jab in the arm were vulnerable elders and front-line medical workers. FOMO — or the fear of missing out — wasn’t so bad then. There was little disagreement that those people should be at the front of the line. Besides, there was nowhere to go and nothing to do even if we did get the shot!
But as businesses reopen, students return to classrooms and stadiums welcome fans, many of us are ready to join the party. Yet some people are still hesitant to get the shot or have had difficulty accessing it.
Black, Indigenous and other people of color (BIPOC) communities have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. And these communities don’t necessarily see their concerns, interests and needs reflected in the vaccine distribution plan and communications efforts.
In response, YWCA St. Paul is teaming up with YWCA Minneapolis and Children’s Minnesota to host a special event to help communities learn more about the vaccine – preparing attendees to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
Join us to learn about the history of medical mistrust in communities of color, listen to candid personal stories about choices our panelists are making about the vaccine, and learn science-based information that will help you make an informed decision on whether or not the COVID-19 vaccine is right for you.
Event Details
- When: Tuesday, April 20, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Virtual
- Click to register
