The other day, my partner and I decided to check our eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine through our insurance website. My partner went first, given her high-risk status after a hospital stay for sepsis last October. She also works as a teaching assistant at our children’s school and previously taught gardening classes. After completing the survey, she learned that she would soon be contacted to set up her vaccination appointment.
When it was my turn to fill out the survey, I barely made it through three questions before receiving a message that essentially said, “You’re not eligible for the vaccine at this time.” While it may have been phrased more diplomatically, the truth is clear: I’m in my late 30s, have no underlying health issues, and my job allows me to work comfortably from home. So, it’s going to be quite a while before I can get vaccinated. Meanwhile, my partner is ready to go, and I can’t help but feel a hint of jealousy. It turns out I’m not alone; many couples are experiencing similar feelings.
The Age Gap and Vaccine Eligibility
A notable trend has emerged among older couples with significant age differences. The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted this dynamic, sharing stories of couples in their 60s and 70s where the older partner received the vaccine while the younger one is left waiting. One particularly poignant story featured a woman named Sarah who, at 64, just missed the cutoff in her state, while her 78-year-old husband was able to get vaccinated. When she asked her doctor about her chances, he bluntly told her she was in the “SOL group,” which stands for “out of luck.” This straightforward honesty resonates with many who are eager for the vaccine but don’t yet qualify.
Feeling Envy
I felt a similar sense of envy while out for a walk recently. I ran into an old friend who works at the hospital, and as she shared her experience with the side effects of her second vaccine dose, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes internally and think, “Boo-hoo, lucky you.”
Experts say these feelings of envy are completely normal. As we all try to navigate this pandemic and avoid the virus, it’s natural to feel a sense of competition for the vaccine. Eric Zillmer, a neuropsychology professor, and Susan Whitbourne, a professor emeritus of psychological and brain sciences, tackled the issue of vaccine envy in a recent Washington Post article. They offered valuable advice for those struggling with these emotions while watching friends and family get vaccinated. Whitbourne emphasized the importance of acknowledging these feelings, stating, “Don’t pretend you don’t feel this, and don’t get mad at yourself for feeling this way.” It’s essential to recognize that these feelings are part of the human experience.
Focusing on the Bigger Picture
Zillmer suggested that we should focus on the bigger picture: vaccination benefits everyone. He pointed out that the entire vaccination effort hinges on herd immunity, which only works if enough people get vaccinated. So, if someone is eligible, their vaccination contributes to the greater good.
During a recent online therapy session, I shared how challenging it feels to have little to look forward to during the pandemic. My therapist offered a hopeful perspective, reminding me that by this time next year, we should be returning to a sense of normalcy. His words echoed Dr. Anthony Fauci’s recent comments that by April, we could see a significant increase in vaccination eligibility. With February coming to a close, April is just around the corner, and I can’t help but feel hopeful that this vaccine envy may end sooner rather than later. In the meantime, let’s strive to stay optimistic, as there is indeed light at the end of this long tunnel—even if others reach it before we do.
Further Reading
For more insights on this topic, you can check out this related blog post or explore how to boost fertility with expert advice from Make a Mom, as well as find excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination from News Medical.
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Conclusion
In summary, as we navigate feelings of jealousy and impatience regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, it’s essential to remember that these emotions are normal. Recognizing and accepting our feelings can help us cope during this challenging time. The hope for widespread vaccination is on the horizon, and with it, a return to normalcy.