Frustration and Confusion Over the Scheduling of COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

The end of the pandemic is in sight as more and more people are getting the COVID-19 Vaccine. There is still a lot of frustration and confusion regarding the future and availability of the vaccine. Under the Trump administration, promises were made that a mass distribution would take place in early, 2021, but the reality is slightly different. Why is this so confusing and what is happening with the COVID-19 vaccine at the moment?

The Introduction of the COVID-19 Vaccine:

Two vaccines have been approved by the FDA for distribution as of January 2021. These include the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine. Both have been tested and proven effective in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Even though vaccines are being distributed across the country, millions of Americans have yet to hear when they will be able to get one.

Rising Frustration

There seem to be many miscommunications and theories as to when the general population will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Many individuals are frustrated because they do not understand what is standing in their way. Shouldn’t they just be able to make an appointment with their physician and get the vaccine like they would for the flu? This is not the case. The truth of the matter is that several barriers must be overcome before there is open access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

High Demand and Production

With the majority of the United States eager to receive the COVID-19 vaccine so that life can return to normal, production cannot keep up. The vaccine was only recently approved for production. Not only this, but the manufacturing of the COVID-19 vaccine is contingent on details like the shelf life and stability of each unit. It is not as simple as producing them as soon as possible and getting them out to as many people as possible. Because of the limited supply of the vaccine, the government has created priority release dates.

Priority Release

The first crowd of people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine will not be the average person. Priority release is being given to front-line workers, high-risk populations, and essential workers. The first round of people to receive the vaccine will be healthcare workers all over the country. Hospitals and medical facilities have already begun distributing it. The next round of people to receive it will be high-risk populations like those in assisted living or those suffering from eligible conditions. Some states are even prioritizing educators to hopefully return to a normal educational setting for their students.

Mass Vaccine Centers

Once the vaccine is released to the general public, there are several plans in place on how they will be distributed. Depending on what state you live in, mass COVID-19 vaccine distribution centers will be set up somewhere in your state in a way that is accessible. For example, Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear, just announced a partnership with a popular grocery store in the region that will be the host of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

While the end of the pandemic is in sight, there is still waiting to be done. To learn more about how to stay safe during the pandemic until you can receive your COVID-19 vaccine, click here.