“Did you get your shot?” Especially for seniors every conversation is starting this way. The positive response is often as jubilant as winning the lottery. Some just found themselves in the right place, other queued up for hours, still others played the Publix supermarket sweep stakes at 6 A.M. Unlike a few months ago, I now hear people eager to get theirs. Its like a cult. Now no one wants to be left out. Too many know someone who is battling the virus or lost the fight and so covid, not freedom of decision, is directing our steps.

It has now been a full year of pandemic drama and other health issues have taken a back seat. This week the CDC stated that if you have received both doses (immunity is max two weeks after second shot) you will no longer have to quarantine if exposed. This is huge. the amount of lost work and money from these quarantines added to the shutdowns continues to cause economic devastation for so many. In the cancer center daily patients arrive who we have treated for years, or are newly diagnosed, but now have lost employee- sponsored health insurance. Adding to the insult, without the job they have no means to pay for care.

Hope is on the horizon as more people are vaccinated, 2 million yesterday alone. For my friends and family in PA and NJ, however there is no talk of vaccines. There are no doses, there is no roll out. The mission is not accomplished and so each week I hear of another family there infected (from grandparents to children). Physicians feel helpless. I can encourage patients and staff but I cannot provide (we tried but docs cannot get doses for our patients).

I offer today that this is an opportunity to help each other. As of this weekend there are no more hospital doses here- even University of Florida. My healthcare staff and patients will now jockey for a shot with all those over 65 in Florida. Since I cannot vaccinate, I will try to do the next best thing, as can you. As an advocate, I armed myself with a list of personal info of others at the ready as I attempt to make appointments for them when websites open.

If you already have had success, do this for relatives, friends and coworkers. A little effort can make a big difference in a life and family- being generous with your time brings rewards. This past year we have learned to be more connected and helpful. When my sister received her appointment it was a young granddaughter 1200 miles away who went online and got through. One of our company’s staff members with medical issues and direct patient care was frustrated until several doctors attempted and then found success for her in a left over dose at a hospital.

If you are not engaging and want to stay safe at home until the vaccine comes to you, that is fine. For many however, getting back to life, economic issues, perhaps a visit with family and friends is reason enough to make the effort. The love and care we are sharing by helping another is just the shot in the arm we all need now. Roll up those sleeves and good luck.