Second shot no-shows could foil COVID-19 vaccination efforts

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The U.S. government's plan to vaccinate hundreds of millions of Americans against the coronavirus, potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives and return the country to normalcy may hinge on the effectiveness of an index card.

Two separate vaccines due to be released from pharmaceutical firm Pfizer and biotech Moderna appear to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19. Critically, however, that's only after people receive two doses taken 21 days apart for Pfizer's vaccine and 28 days apart for Moderna's remedy.

The upshot: A major logistical challenge involved in inoculating the bulk of the U.S. population will be to ensure that people return for their second shot. The federal government's solution: A 4-by-6 index card.

Millions of the cards will be shipped with the vaccine kits sent to hospitals and other distribution centers. Health care providers will fill out the card with "accurate vaccine information," including a written reminder of the patient's appointment for a second dose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says providers should encourage patients with smartphones to take a picture of the card in case it gets lost.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/second-shot-no-shows-could-foil-covid-19-vaccination-efforts/ar-BB1bBLe5?li=BBnb7Kz

[underpants]

1. I forgot to go back and get my second shingles shot

I had it on my phone but I just kept putting it off. No real reason why either. This is going to be a problem with/for people.

[FreepFryer]

2. Award a stimulus check upon second vaccination (Nt)

[crickets]

7. That definitely would get more attention than a reminder card. nt

[beachbumbob]

3. I did the the 2 shot Shingrax shingles vaccine and supplies for 2nd shot were out

ended up traveling 50 miles, out of network to get 2nd shot within the specified time span. That was 6 months after release and on hand supplies were not stocked right for 2nd shot. I can only imagine this will be a nightmare

[maxsolomon]

4. There are going to be failures.

Hopefully, most folks are as motivated as I am.

I had my 2nd Shingles shot the 1st day I could.

[dutch777]

5. Sounds like part of the natural selection process to me if the second shot is available but...

...you don't go get it. I am real curious how many will show up for the first shot! I worked for a local hospital and I am sure they will require the vaccine for any employees and volunteers, and give it. And follow up with anyone that dithers on shot two. Unless you require people to have a vaccine "passport" to get into things they really want/need-- grocery stores, bars, salons, drugs stores, bars, sporting events, bars, the kids school-- not sure compliance will be as high as might be desired. Did I mention bar access as a possible incentive?

[Thunderbeast]

6. There certainly need to include electronic reminders

and calendar posts.

I like the idea of a small stimulus check reward. A larger stimulus is needed NOW for EVERYBODY!

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

8. My question is, how exactly spaced out do the shots need to be?

With Shingrix there's a four month window between the first and second. Four months.

If the second COVID shot needs to be exactly 21 or 28 days, that's going to be a logistical nightmare.

Another question I have is, how did they decide the time frame?