Dear Advice Column,
I just found out that the early COVID-19 vaccine rollout in my state includes individuals with a BMI over 30. To clarify, I don’t believe in using BMI as a valid medical measure, but since it’s what’s being used, I figured I might as well take advantage of it. My BMI qualifies me for the vaccine in the first phase, so I managed to book an appointment. However, when I shared this news with my family, I expected them to be supportive. Instead, they criticized me for taking a spot from someone more deserving, like seniors or those with weakened immune systems. They think I’m not “fat enough” to get vaccinated now and suggested I wait. What should I do?
First off, it’s crucial to understand that EVERYONE needs the vaccine. It’s essential for achieving herd immunity. If you meet the criteria set by your state, you’re not getting vaccinated “too early.”
Now, about your BMI: if it’s over 30, you qualify for the vaccine. The government and health experts recognize that this may put you at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. While it’s not a guaranteed measure for every individual, it’s a significant factor. Your vaccination does not diminish anyone else’s need. Although priority groups exist, there’s no need for competition over who deserves the vaccine more. The confusion and frustration with the rollout are due to systemic failures, not individuals seeking to protect their health.
Let’s talk about BMI itself, which is often criticized for its inaccuracies. It solely relies on height and weight, ignoring factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Originally created by a mathematician over 200 years ago, it has been weaponized against those with larger bodies, often leading to harmful health advice. If the government insists on using this flawed metric for vaccine eligibility, don’t feel guilty about it.
This could be a pivotal moment for reevaluating the use of BMI in medical settings. You could share this information with your family or simply remind them that herd immunity is more important than their judgments. If it were up to me, I’d do both. Congratulations on securing your appointment, and good luck managing your family’s opinions!
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Summary:
In this advice column, a reader expresses frustration over family judgment for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine early due to qualifying BMI. The response emphasizes the importance of vaccination for everyone while critiquing the BMI system as an unreliable health metric. The author encourages the reader to feel empowered in their decision and to educate their family about the vaccine’s necessity.