Anonymous Student Contributor
I got my first COVID-19 shot on February 28th.
I’m 22.
I’m sure you’re asking yourself How did a youngin’ get the vaccine so early? Aren’t just old folks and essential workers getting the vaccine right now? I don’t blame you for asking that – I asked myself the same question. A few weeks back, I was turned onto a loophole in Washington’s vaccine rollout plan. I work for PLU’s Waste Diversion crew, and we routinely pull recycling and trash totes from the mobile COVID testing sites and the vaccination events held at PLU. Because these environments present the chance for secondhand COVID-19 exposure, my coworkers and I qualify under WA’s “healthcare setting” criteria (Environmental Management) as essential workers.
I was skeptical when I first logged onto the WA Phase Finder website to confirm my eligibility, but was surprised when all I had to do was click “Yes” to the eligibility question. I simply put down my name, and voilà, I was given a page to screenshot serving as proof of my eligibility. No questions asking me to prove my employment or verify that I was coming into contact with high-risk environments.
Despite being eligible, getting a vaccine appointment scheduled was a bit of a bear. Not many places had available appointments, but thanks to a tip from my aunt about a Pierce County vaccine drive-thru event, I was able to snag a spot. When I arrived at the drive-thru event, I was given a clipboard to fill out my personal information, and then briefly asked if I worked in the healthcare field. I explained my position and what I did that exposed me to COVID, and, to my surprise, wasn’t asked any further questions about it. Simply a “move on to the next station where you’ll receive the vaccine.” I got my shot, waited for 15 minutes to make sure I didn’t show any side effects, and left.
For all the hoopla surrounding the statewide vaccination rollout, I found the process surprisingly easy. I expected the process to be tightly monitored and follow strict guidelines. At a minimum, I figured I’d need to supply some proof of my employment that I indeed was eligible. Because I was able to breeze on through, I’m curious why Pierce County isn’t more stringent on their screening process. Had I not been eligible, I could’ve just as easily lied about my position and likely still gotten vaccinated. I’m by no means encouraging non-essential workers to lie in order to get vaccinated prior to frontline workers, but it begs the question why the country isn’t requiring proof of “essential worker” status during the early stages of the rollout.
Regardless of the county’s rules or reasoning, I applaud the essential workers who helped vaccinate me, and all healthcare workers who have sacrificed so much this past year. To everyone else, please get the vaccine when you become eligible. It’ll help us get back to normal and protect those we care for the most.
