Recently, my partner and I logged onto our insurance provider’s website to complete a survey regarding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. She went first, being at higher risk after her hospitalization for sepsis last fall. Her role as a teaching assistant at our children’s school, along with previous gardening lessons, made her a prime candidate. After filling out the survey, she received guidance on how to schedule her appointment soon.
When it was my turn, I barely got through three questions before I was met with a message stating, in essence, that I was far from eligible for the vaccine at this moment. Sure, it was worded more tactfully, but the truth is, I’m in my late 30s, have no health issues, and can easily work from home. To put it simply, I have quite a wait ahead of me, while my partner is ready for her shot now, leaving me with a tinge of jealousy. I’ve heard I’m not alone in feeling this way; many couples are experiencing similar emotions.
This situation is especially common among older couples with an age difference. A Wall Street Journal article highlighted couples in their 60s and 70s where the older partner received the vaccine while the younger one was left waiting. A particularly striking case was that of Lisa, who is 64 years old and just missed the eligibility cutoff in her state, while her 78-year-old husband was able to get vaccinated. When she asked her doctor if there was any way for her to get the shot, he bluntly informed her she was “in the SOL group.” To clarify, SOL means “stuck outta luck.” This straightforward remark captures the feelings of many who are eager for the vaccine but find themselves waiting.
That’s how I feel too. Just the other day, I bumped into a friend who works at the hospital, and she was complaining about how rough her second dose made her feel. I couldn’t suppress a hint of envy as I thought to myself, “Boo-hoo.”
Experts say that these feelings of envy are entirely normal. Navigating a pandemic can feel like a psychological battle as we strive to avoid the virus until more vaccines become available. Eric Zillmer, a neuropsychology professor at Drexel University, and Susan Whitbourne, an emeritus professor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, tackled the issue of vaccine envy in a recent Washington Post article.
They offered some valuable advice for those grappling with these feelings. Whitbourne emphasized the importance of acknowledging your emotions without guilt. She states, “Don’t pretend you don’t feel this, and don’t get mad at yourself for feeling this way.” It’s crucial to embrace these feelings as normal. Meanwhile, Zillmer encourages us to consider the broader perspective: “If everyone gets vaccinated, it helps us all.” The ultimate goal is herd immunity, which can only be achieved if people get vaccinated. So, if someone is eligible, their vaccination benefits us all.
In a recent therapy session, I shared how challenging it feels to lack anything to look forward to during the pandemic. My therapist reassured me that while things seem bleak now, by this time next year, life should resemble normalcy again. That thought brought a smile to my face, especially when recalling Dr. Anthony S. Fauci’s recent comments about April being “open season” for vaccinations, meaning nearly everyone will soon be eligible.
While it may feel like time is dragging during these challenging months, it’s nearly the end of February, and April isn’t far off. There’s hope that this vaccine envy will soon fade. Until then, let’s strive to remain optimistic; there’s light at the end of this long tunnel, even if others reach it before us.
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In summary, as we navigate our feelings of envy regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, it’s essential to acknowledge that these emotions are common. Understanding the bigger picture of community immunity can help us cope. With hopeful signs of normalcy on the horizon, let’s stay positive as we all work toward a healthier future.
Keyphrase: COVID-19 vaccine envy
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