Some are criticizing Massachusetts' politicians about the vaccination rollout. While I do believe there's room for improvement, I am also aware that political leaders have been working around the clock as a result of the Trump team's inaction with regard to serving the people in any way, and the fact that this pandemic is a 24-7 challenge.
As the daughter of elderly parents, and a person who left her job, in part, due to pandemic threat, I am very interested in getting control of this pandemic and ending the hold it has on all of us.
To speed up the vaccination and work to keep everyone healthy in the meantime, I recommend the following steps.
Vaccination Rollout
- Centralize the sign-up system with a program that alerts people about the information they need to have ready, takes in an individual's information, gives them a place in the system, alerts them of sign-up choices, signs them up. The place should be created so that people can easily cancel, re-sign-up, sign up for second doses, and get reminders, directions, and other vital information to make the vaccination process simple. Also include the phone banks planned for those without access to technology.
- Make sure there are sites in places for people who don't have their own cars or ready transportation.
- Use big sites like Fenway and Gillette for able bodied people
- Use more sensitive and easy to access sites for people who have physical/mental limitations--for example many physically challenged elderly people will be unable to stand in long lines outdoors waiting for their shots.
- Continue to seek federal help. It's possible that National Guard and FEMA could roll out a big site in the state at large fairgrounds, public parks, or elsewhere to vaccinate a lot of people at once.
Schools
- Plan to vaccinate all of the state's teachers during February vacation week.
- Have a huge rollout ready with a centralized sign-up.
- Teachers' unions or the state certification system may be able to be used to get that sign up ready.
- Revise back-to-school plans to accommodate students who still won't be vaccinated and teachers who have been vaccinated.
Continued precautions
- Continue mandates for physical distancing, mask wearing, and personal hygiene to keep people safe.
We're definitely in a better place now with a vaccine available and a federal government that is back to work. It's time to advocate for better, but not time to beat up leaders who have been working tirelessly around the clock for 12 months. It's time to recommit to the health and safety for all as we work together to keep each other safe.
Note:
I was able to sign my parents up for both doses. My dad was helped by Veteran's Health and my mom was signed up via the MA system for one dose at a hospital and one dose at a local Walgreens. My doctor has contacted me and is working on getting doses for people that fall into my category. We're on our way.